Board of Education
Strong Schools, Strong Community
Old Saybrook, like many small communities on the shoreline, strives to have an excellent school system and yet faces many difficulties in doing so. Declining enrollment has challenged the community for many years. Lately, the policies of the federal government add new threats – to our funding and to the values of equity and inclusion we have long strived to uphold. Recently, the Board participated in the hiring of an excellent new leadership team: a new Superintendent, a new Principal and Assistant Principal at Goodwin and a new Assistant Principal at the Middle School.
As Democrats, we are committed to excellence, equity, and accountability. We believe the new leadership team at OSPS is uniquely positioned to address creatively and constructively the many issues that confront us. But it will take a Board willing and able to work collaboratively and productively with the new team to ensure the district meets the needs of all of its students.Moving forward, our Board of Education candidates believe we must:
- Make Board meetings more respectful, open, and welcoming; make it easy for parents to communicate with us.
- Improve communication, making it clear, transparent, and actionable.
- Listen to parents, students, and community voices, and share feedback with school leadership.
- Hold the OSPS administration accountable on critical issues.
- Protect students from harmful federal policies.
- Support every learner regardless of their needs and capabilities.
- Provide a safe, inclusive environment for all children.
- Plan responsibly for the district’s future by generating a fiscally sound and programmatically innovative five-year strategic plan.
- Work collaboratively with town leaders to address our enrollment challenges.
- Actively promote the schools’ and students’ accomplishments.
Eileen Baker
Eileen, a professional educator, is a longtime member of the Old Saybrook Board of Education. Her campaign for re-election centers on her commitment to serving the needs of every Old Saybrook student and their families Pre-K-12 whether they are multilingual, require special education, thrive in the creative arts, on a path to career-readiness or college bound.
Eileen developed and championed student representation/student voice on the Old Saybrook Board of Education providing student participation in Board discussions. This initiative is recognized State-wide.
She is Chairperson of the Policy Committee. Her efforts result in the adoption of policies and approved regulations which ensure compliance with State and federal law and sound educational practice. Eileen is a member of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) and also is Vice President for Professional Development.
In seeking re-election, Eileen will continue to advocate for collaboration between parents and teachers.
Marijke Kehrhahn
Marijke (rhymes with “Cherokee”) has an extensive background in the field of education. With an MA in Special Education and a PhD in Adult Learning, her 45-year career has involved multiple leadership positions, including Associate Dean of UConn’s highly-ranked Neag School of Education. These high-level roles required significant expertise in budget management, curriculum development, and working collaboratively with school leaders.
Marijke’s vision for Old Saybrook Schools is based on a deep appreciation for what students dream of, and prioritize, for their own futures. Given the size of our district, Marijke sees a unique opportunity to know each and every student and create the kinds of educational experiences that will help them thrive, whether they are college bound or pursuing a path to career readiness. As teacher shortages loom in our state, focusing on teacher retention and recruitment will also be high on her list of objectives. As she sees it, teachers are the central force in creating an enriching experience for all students.
Jordan Schellens
As the mother of a second grader, Jordan is a busy parent who wants to make sure her child—and every student—is getting the best education possible. Part of a strong community of Goodwin parents, Jordan hopes to represent their needs—and be their voices—when it comes to budget priorities, academic policies, and curriculum improvements.
A champion of attracting families to Old Saybrook (and uplifting those who have already put down roots and want to stay), Jordan is running for Board of Ed to be an advocate for policy updates and changes that would accomplish that goal.
Jordan has a professional background in environmental policy. Her leadership style is about communication, and encouraging people to speak up and be heard. She listens and makes decisions based on what works for the greater good, and would lean on these skills if elected to the BOE.
When she’s not working, Jordan loves exploring the small shops in town and dining out with her family—including their dog, Hudson!
Karen Brodeur
Karen Brodeur has proudly served Old Saybrook’s Board of Education for 30 years, always putting students first. She is an experienced leader who understands today’s educational challenges and is committed to keeping student well-being and strong academics at the forefront of all decisions.
With four grandkids in the schools, she is deeply connected and aware of the needs facing our district. Karen understands the critical social, ethical, and economic role education plays in shaping Old Saybrook’s future.
She believes in equity and inclusivity, advocating for every student regardless of background, ability, or circumstance, so that each child has the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.
Karen’s experience and steady leadership provide the BOE with invaluable continuity and institutional knowledge. If re-elected, Karen will continue to bring thoughtful decision-making, a collaborative spirit, and a clear vision for the future of education in Old Saybrook.