BRANFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.
Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.
Candidate’s Name:
Amanda Henry
What office are you seeking?
Board of Education
What town do you live in?
Branford
Party Affiliation:
Democrat
Occupation:
Early Childhood Administrator, Educator-22 years experience
Family:
Christopher Henry, 49 years old and spouse of 17 years. He has been my biggest supporter through this whole journey!
Nellie Henry, 14 years old and a Walsh Intermediate School Student. She is a Field Hockey and Lacrosse goalie and probably the most compassionate human I have ever met. I am the luckiest mother ever!
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
N/A
Previous public office, appointive or elective:
N/A
Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for the Board of Education to help continue the vision outlined in the Strategic Coherence Plan. Looking ahead, I recognize that the Branford School District’s priorities include supporting the successful implementation of the Master Facilities Plan and the thoughtful reconfiguration of our schools—initiatives already set in motion that I would be honored to help see through. Equally important to me is advocating for the needs of our students and families, as well as the educators who dedicate themselves to their success. I am deeply committed to building strong community connections, engaging in reflective listening, asking thoughtful questions to foster understanding, and ensuring that education remains equitable and accessible to all learners.
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing our community is strengthening partnerships at every level. As a member of the Board of Education, I see my role as a facilitator and conduit—someone who helps foster meaningful engagement among all stakeholders in the district. By building stronger connections between families, educators, students, and the broader community, we can work collaboratively to ensure the continued success of Branford Public Schools.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
What sets me apart is my deep passion for education and my commitment to being a lifelong learner; always seeking to understand more and do better for our community. My background centers on building strong partnerships with families and supporting the holistic development of children through collaboration. I have also been a consistent advocate for educators, extending my efforts to the state level. In my early childhood administrative role, I’ve learned to think creatively when identifying resources—whether accessing local or state funding opportunities or sharing workforce incentives and scholarship information to support staff growth and retention.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Other key issues I hope to focus on include strengthening communication across the district, ensuring accessibility and equity within the curriculum for all learners, and creating opportunities for cross-collaboration among students to deepen learning experiences. I am also committed to advancing the Master Facilities Plan and utilizing the Strategic Coherence Plan to guide the district’s continued growth.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My professional journey reflects continuous growth and learning. I began as a certified teacher, dedicating more than a decade to creating developmentally appropriate and engaging programs for young children. Becoming a mother deepened my understanding of trust and relationships, shaping how I taught and connected with families.
As I transitioned into an assistant administrator role, my knowledge expanded to include policy, budgeting, legislation, and the importance of strong interpersonal relationships. During COVID-19, I worked alongside a dedicated team to reopen our school safely, later earning my Connecticut Director’s Credential while balancing full-time work and family life. These experiences have strengthened my ability to multitask, consider diverse perspectives, and collaborate effectively within a team.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Only when we listen do we truly build trust, relationships, understanding and partnerships.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I can only be who I am—authentic and fully committed. When I dedicate myself to a project, I give it my complete attention and see it through to the end. That same transparency, dedication, and follow-through are my promise to the families, children, educators, employees, and community members of the Branford Public School District if given the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education.
Patch Candidate Profile: Amanda Henry For Branford Board Of Education originally appeared on the Branford Patch
