About Kristen
Kristen Dudanowicz is a lifelong advocate for children and families with deep experience in early childhood systems, policy, and education. She currently serves as the Director of Systems and Policy Planning at the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, where she leads statewide initiatives to improve access, equity, and quality across early learning programs.
Kristen has played a central role in advancing transformative legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s early childhood system. In 2025, she helped lead the development and passage of Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 5003—two landmark bills focused on governance, funding, and accountability across early care and education. Her work ensures that policy decisions are informed by data, community voice, and a commitment to equity.
A graduate of UConn School of Public Policy with a Masters in Public Administration and an alum of the bipartisan Campaign School at Yale University, Kristen is committed to building systems that work for every child—regardless of zip code. She believes in the power of strong public schools and the importance of listening to families and educators in decision-making.
Kristen lives in Rocky Hill with her husband, two children, and their dog, Rex. She is running for the Board of Education to ensure that all students in Rocky Hill have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a school system that supports the whole child.
Why are you running?
“I’m running for the Board of Education because I believe every child in Rocky Hill deserves access to a high-quality, well-resourced education—and right now, that’s being threatened by years of deferred infrastructure investments and difficult budget cuts. We’re asking our educators to do more with less, and our students are feeling the impact in overcrowded classrooms, aging facilities, and reduced supports.
“With a career focused on building and strengthening education systems across Connecticut, I understand how to navigate complex challenges and bring people together to solve them. I want to bring that experience home to Rocky Hill—ensuring our school system is responsive, transparent, and centered on what’s best for kids.
“This is a critical moment for our community. We need Board members who are not only committed to students, but who also know how to work across stakeholders, advocate effectively for funding, and plan strategically for the future. I’m running to be that kind of voice—and to ensure our town invests in the schools our students deserve.”