Welcome to our Voter Guide!

In short, we invited all candidates for the Amity Board to answer questions relevant to what the Board does. Our goal is to help you, the voter, get to know them better so you can make an informed choice when you vote, whether through early voting (starting October 20th) or on Election Day, November 4th.

If you want the full low down on the voter guide and our process, you can click the banner above to learn more!

Once you’ve learned about this candidate, you can navigate to the next candidate’s page down at the bottom or just click a town seal to see all the candidates running in the town.

Headshot of Lulefer Vinca

Lulefer Vinca (R) - Bethany

[Editor’s note - the following is a statement provided by the candidate.]

Lulefer has called Bethany her home since 2020 where she resides with her husband and son. Raised next-door in Prospect, she and her family chose Bethany because of its small-town feel and beautiful scenery. Lulefer cares deeply about the quality of education in our community.

In her own words, “I believe every student deserves access to a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment that prepares them for success in life.”

Serving on the Amity Regional Board of Education will allow Lulefer to help develop policies and decisions that directly and positively impact students, teachers, and families.

“A strong public school system is the foundation of a thriving community,” she adds, “and I want to do my part to help strengthen that foundation by promoting accountability, advocating for resources, and supporting innovative practices that help all students succeed.”

The questionnaire:

  • 1. What qualifications would you bring as a member of the Amity Board of Education?

    I would bring a combination of professional experience, community involvement, and a deep commitment to educational excellence to the Amity Board of Education. My background in finance has helped me develop project management and oversight skills, collaboration, process improvement, and analytical & problem-solving skills that are directly applicable to the responsibilities of a board member. I am a strong believer in transparent governance, academic innovation, and working together with the community and parents in education. I am committed to supporting policies that prioritize student achievement, teacher support, and responsible fiscal management.

  • 2. What would you hope to accomplish in the next term as a member of the Board?

    In the next term, my primary goal as a Board member would be to support policies and initiatives that ensure all students in the Amity district receive a high-quality, well-rounded education that prepares them for success beyond graduation.

    I plan to work collaboratively with fellow board members, school administrators, and teachers. I will stay informed by engaging regularly with parents and educators, attending school events, and being accessible and responsive to community concerns. I believe in understanding policy, budgets, and performance data to make informed decisions.

  • 3. Do you have any concerns about academics, curricula, or extra curricular opportunities (athletics, clubs, etc) at Amity?

    Response pending

  • 4. On what basis do you think the job performance of the Superintendent of Amity Schools should be evaluated?

    The Superintendent's performance should be evaluated based on both measurable outcomes and leadership effectiveness. I believe his/her evaluation should be based on several key areas. We should look at academic data, not just standardized test scores, but broader indicators like graduation rates, college/career readiness, growth metrics, and achievement gaps. The Superintendent is responsible for executing the district's strategic goals. His/her performance should be tied to how effectively he/she implements board-approved initiatives: whether related to academics, facilities, technology integration, or wellness.  Fiscal responsibility is key. The Superintendent should be evaluated on how well he/she manages the district’s budget, aligns resources with priorities, and maintains transparency and trust with the community regarding financial decisions. Strong leadership means more than managing operations, it includes how the Superintendent builds trust with teachers, staff, students, families, and the Board.

    A Superintendent must be a bridge between the schools and the broader community. He/she should be evaluated on his/her ability to listen to stakeholder concerns, respond thoughtfully, and build consensus on important issues. Any evaluation should be fair, consistent, and aligned with clearly defined goals set collaboratively by the Board and the Superintendent at the start of each year. Transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement should guide the entire process.

  • 5. What are the primary criteria you would bring to considering the administration’s annual budget proposals for the Amity district?

    When reviewing the administration’s annual budget proposals, I would focus on core criteria to ensure the budget is responsible, transparent, and aligned with educational priorities.

    My approach would be to ask tough but fair questions, collaborate with fellow board members and administrators, and keep students at the center of every budget decision.

    A strong budget is more than about numbers, it is a reflection of our values and vision for the district.

  • 6. How do you view the respective roles of the Board, Amity administration, the State of Connecticut, and the federal government in determining curriculum in the district?

    Curriculum development is a shared responsibility across several levels of governance, and each plays a distinct, but interconnected role. As a Board member, I believe it is critical to respect these boundaries, while also ensuring that our district meets the needs of our students and community.

    The Board must balance state and federal requirements with local priorities, relying on the administration's professional expertise while ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with the community’s educational vision.

  • 7. How would you weigh your responsibility as an elected representative of your town and your duty to support the district as a member of its Board?

    As an elected representative of my town, I recognize the responsibility to bring my community’s voice, concerns, and values to the table. I would take that role seriously, by staying in close contact with residents, listening actively, and being transparent about decisions that affect them.

    At the same time, once elected to the Amity Board of Education, my duty expands to include the entire district, not just Bethany. Every decision I make should be based on what is best for students in the district and for the long-term health of the Amity system as a whole.

    Issues should be approached with collaboration, and shared purpose in mind. It also means building strong relationships with fellow board members and administrators so that we can find solutions that respect each town’s needs, while advancing our shared educational goals.

  • 8. How would you approach making decisions at Amity that may affect parents who also have students at the elementary school(s) in your town, such as those regarding the Amity schools’ calendar or a later start time at the middle and high schools?

    I would approach these kinds of decisions with both empathy and strategic thinking. I understand that decisions made at the Amity level, like changes to the school calendar or start times, can have significant effects on families who have children in both Amity and their local elementary schools. I would gather input from all stakeholders: parents, teachers, local elementary school leaders, and transportation providers. Understanding the real-world impacts, from childcare and transportation logistics to student wellness and family routines, is essential.

    At the same time, I believe the Board’s primary responsibility is to make decisions that best support the academic success, health, and development of students in the Amity system. For example, research strongly supports later start times for adolescents, and if data shows that it would benefit Amity students' well-being and performance, it is our duty to consider it seriously.

    With that said, any decision should be made collaboratively with advance planning and coordination with the elementary districts in our towns. Our communities function as a whole, and I would work to ensure that decisions are made transparently, with adequate time for families and partner schools to adjust and adapt.

  • 9. How would you make sure that everyone - including parents and students - feels welcome in the district, regardless of their political views (conservative, liberal, or moderate), faith, cultural background, race, or how they view themselves?

    Creating a school environment where every student and parent feels welcome, regardless of political views, religion, race, identity, or background, is fundamental to a healthy and successful school community. As a Board member, I would prioritize respect and open communication.

    Schools work best when they reflect the rich diversity of the community while remaining focused on their mission, which is educating and supporting all students. My goal would be to help Amity be a place where every family, regardless of background or belief, feels that their child belongs, is respected, and has every opportunity to succeed.  

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