Meet the Candidate: Karen Bresciano

Name:  Karen L. Bresciano

Age: 39

Party and position running for: Democrat Board of Education

Family Info: Married, two boys 6, 8

Previous Political Experience: 2 years on BOE

Other Experience: worked at UConn since 2000

Why are you running for office? 

I am running for office because I feel it is my responsibility to give back to my community. I chose the Board of Education because I have been involved in public education nearly all of my professional career and know that it is an investment in our future, whether we have children in the schools or not. I also do not take lightly the prospect of other people spending my tax dollars. I wanted, and continue to want to be on the inside of the system to ensure that we, as a town, are doing the right thing for our children while being responsible stewards of our neighbors' dollars. I also wanted to help explore the low and no-cost ways to bring back more enrichment opportunities for our students to go above and beyond the typical curriculum. 

How do you plan on creating a budget that provides a good education for Tolland students, but is one that you can defend before the Town Council and gain approval from Tolland voters?   

I have no concern with being able to create a budget that can provide for our student, or the ability to defend it to the Town Council. Gaining agreement from the whole Council and approval (along with voter turn-out) from Tolland voters, however has proven more difficult. I honestly do not think that the issue is our developing a responsible budget. I know we have done that. I think the problem is helping people understand and trust that the budget is sound and efficient.  Of course there are always more cuts that we can make, but are we prepared for the consequences of continuing to erode our fine program?  The numbers show that our district is leaner and efficient than virtually any town in CT. We have one of the lowest per pupil spending ratios in Connecticut and still manage to have some of the highest test scores, but it is not sustainable. I would also encourage more residents to get involved in the budget process. If folks have ideas for responsible cost savings, we would love to have that input.