Berlin School District forum: candidates emphasize staffing, budgets, student voice and mental health

Two candidates for the Berlin School District Board of Education outlined similar priorities but different emphases during a student-organized candidate forum. Incumbent Julia Dennis and challenger Vanessa Deana each called for strengthening staff recruitment and retention, protecting programs amid tight budgets and increasing student voice, while both named student mental health and equity as top concerns.

The forum opened with student organizers and a pledge, followed by four-minute opening statements. "I am an advocate for public education and making sure that things are happening to provide all students with options and opportunities to be successful," Julia Dennis said in her opening, identifying herself as a three-term board member and a high-school teacher with 18 years in education. Dennis described work with state education groups and said she plans to continue advocating for funding and for policies that reflect community needs.

Vanessa Deana, a 16-year Berlin resident and former preschool teacher who has volunteered with the PTO, said her local experience and volunteer work prepared her to "listen, collaborate [and] advocate effectively for our schools." Deana emphasized community engagement and practical experience working with families and school programs.

Under a round of moderated questions, both candidates said recruiting and retaining high-quality staff and ensuring adequate funding are the district's most pressing concerns. "Recruitment and retention of high-quality staff" was described by Dennis as a priority the district must address; Deana stressed balancing the budget while preserving programs and staffing. Both candidates framed budget work as a collaborative process with the superintendent and finance staff.

On curriculum decisions, both candidates said certified staff and curriculum specialists should lead development. Deana said changes "should involve a collaborative approach such as educators, teachers and curriculum specialists," while Dennis described a multi-step process in which teachers and administrators develop proposals that go to a curriculum committee and then the full board.

Both candidates voiced support for expanding student participation in governance. Dennis noted the role of non-voting student board representatives and student presentations in grounding the board's work, and suggested student focus groups; Deana recommended student committees, surveys and forums so young people can provide input on policy and curriculum.

When asked about handling a tight budget cycle, candidates described a systematic, transparent process led by the finance and operations subcommittee, hearings with the superintendent and the district finance director, needs assessments and community input. Dennis stressed that legal constraints under Connecticut General Statutes limit what elected board members can do without following prescribed procedures.

On equity and priorities, both candidates named mental-health services, early intervention and maintaining favorable class sizes as central to ensuring equitable access to education. Deana described data-driven decisions and community partnerships; Dennis highlighted special-education funding and preserving programs that offer diverse pathways for students.

The candidates closed with brief remarks asking for voter support and thanking the student organizers. The forum was presented by students affiliated with the district’s debate and honors clubs; moderators explained that candidate responses were limited by time and that there would be no audience questions.

The event provided voters a concentrated view of where the two candidates align — on staffing, budget transparency and student voice — and where they differ in emphasis: Dennis on continuity, professional qualifications and statewide engagement; Deana on grassroots community experience and outreach. Voters will make their choice on Election Day.