Oxford Candidate Profile: Ellen Fox For Board Of Education

OXFORD, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Oxford and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Oxford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Ellen Fox is running for Board of Education as a Democrat. She is a retired social studies teacher.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and

this is what I intend to do about it.

ACHIEVING EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE: I am committed to the philosophy that ALL students deserve an EXCELLENT education and will work to ensure that there is a balanced focus on the achievement of EVERY STUDENT in the Oxford public schools.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

So, who am I? I have an extensive background in education and have always been a lifelong learner. I hold an administrator's certificate. I earned my Masters from Fairfield University and went to college at Boston University where I was the school mascot for 2 1/2 years. Yes, I dressed up as a terrier and went to sporting and cultural events around campus. I did not go into teaching straight out of college. I spent several years working in corporate America and brought a wealth of knowledge with me to the teaching profession. I am well versed in contemporary practices and emerging theories in education. It would be an honor and a privilege to develop clear policies and directions for the school system based on the district’s mission and vision.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: I pledge to maintain a sound financial footing for the schools while ensuring educationally-sound resource expenditures.

IMPROVED COMMUNICATION: The Board of Education must work collaboratively with Dr. Jason McKinnon, the Superintendent, Administrators, Teachers, Parents, and Members of the Community in a nonpartisan and transparent manner so that the citizens of Oxford understand all factors affecting the school district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Co-Chair, CT Community Foundation, Western CT Leadership Social and Cultural Committee

Member, Oxford Greens OHS Scholarship Committee

Fundraising Chair, Oxford Greens Goes Pink for Seymour Pink

Membership Chair, Women's Club of Oxford Greens

Member, Oxford Greens Spooner House Committee

Vice President, Tashua Knolls Nine Hole Women's Golf League

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

"The principle goal of education is to create men and women who are capable of doing new things; not simply repeat what other generations have done" - Piaget

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am vivacious, outgoing, and funny. I care about those around me and tend to gravitate to people possessing an intellectual curiosity and a love for life. I believe in giving back to society and did so each day in my life’s work as a teacher. Now that I’m retired, I wish to volunteer my time to the town of Oxford as an elected member of the Oxford Board of Education.