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Stratford Election 2025: Kristen Zapata Running For Board Of Education

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 0:36 GMT by Patch
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Stratford’s 2025 School Board Race: Kristen Zapata’s Campaign Highlights Equity, Teacher Support, and Community Involvement

The town of Stratford, Connecticut, is gearing up for its 2025 Board of Education election, and local news outlet Patch has taken a close look at one of the candidates who has been turning heads in the community: Kristen Zapata. According to the article, Zapata is a former classroom teacher who is running for one of the open seats on the Stratford Board of Education. The piece offers an overview of her background, her platform, and the broader context of the upcoming election.

A Teacher’s Voice for Change

Zapata’s story begins in the Stratford school system itself. The article notes that she spent several years as a teacher in one of the town’s elementary schools before moving into community organizing. She has a degree in education from a local university and has long been involved with parent-teacher associations, neighborhood groups, and advocacy coalitions that push for equitable funding and resources across all schools.

“What I see every day is that a lot of families are not getting the support they need,” Zapata is quoted as saying. “If we want to give our kids the best shot at success, we need to listen to those families and make changes that reflect their realities.” The Patch article emphasizes that her candidacy is driven by a sense that the current Board has missed opportunities to bridge gaps in student achievement, particularly in under‑served communities.

Core Issues on Her Platform

The article breaks down Zapata’s key positions into several themes that resonate with many Stratford residents:

1. Equitable Funding and Resource Allocation
   Zapata proposes a review of the school district’s budget to ensure that schools with higher needs receive appropriate technology, classroom supplies, and extracurricular programs. She supports the use of data to identify disparities and calls for a transparent reporting system that keeps parents informed.

2. Teacher Support and Retention
   Recognizing that teacher shortages are a national crisis, Zapata wants to improve teacher professional development, mental‑health support, and early‑career mentorship. She has spoken about partnering with local colleges to provide scholarship programs for teachers who wish to pursue advanced degrees while remaining in the district.

3. Community Engagement and Transparency
   A recurring theme in her campaign is increased town‑hall meetings, online polling, and regular newsletters. The article reports that Zapata is actively using a dedicated campaign website (https://www.kristenzapata4edu.org) where residents can sign up for volunteer opportunities, submit questions, and view the draft board agenda.

4. Curriculum Modernization
   The candidate highlights the need for a more inclusive curriculum that reflects Connecticut’s diverse history and cultures. She proposes adding modules on Indigenous history, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and climate science, arguing that these topics are essential for a well‑rounded education.

Campaign Momentum and Community Response

Zapata’s message has already sparked conversations on social media and in local forums. The Patch article quotes several parents who feel that her approach “offers a realistic path forward.” Teachers who have spoken with her at a town meeting say she “listens” and is “very responsive to concerns that often get overlooked.”

While Zapata is a newcomer to the Board of Education, she is not alone. The article briefly profiles the other candidates who are running for the same open seat. A fellow teacher, John Ramirez, emphasizes fiscal prudence and technology integration, while a retired school administrator, Maria Delgado, focuses on discipline and restorative justice. Each candidate has a dedicated campaign website and a social‑media presence, and the Patch piece invites readers to compare their platforms through direct links to those sites.

How to Vote in 2025

Beyond candidate profiles, the article provides practical information for Stratford voters. It reminds readers that the election will be held on November 5, 2025, and that early voting is available in the weeks leading up to the date. There’s a link to the Connecticut Secretary of State’s election portal, where residents can verify their registration status, locate polling places, and request absentee ballots. The piece also notes that the Board of Education seat is a non‑partisan race, though some candidates have received endorsements from local community groups.

The article’s footnote links readers to the Stratford Board of Education’s official website, where the full board agenda, minutes from past meetings, and budget reports can be accessed. For those who want to get involved beyond voting, there are links to volunteer opportunities, such as “School Board Watch” and “Parent‑Teacher Association” meetings.

Conclusion

Kristen Zapata’s bid for the Stratford Board of Education is framed by her long‑standing commitment to the town’s children and families. Her campaign, highlighted in the Patch article, calls for data‑driven equity, robust teacher support, and increased transparency. While she faces competition from other educators and community leaders, her message has already found traction among parents who want to see tangible improvements in the local school system.

As the election approaches, the Patch article encourages residents to educate themselves on each candidate’s platform, attend upcoming town meetings, and, most importantly, cast their ballots on election day. The future of Stratford’s schools—whether it is shaped by Zapata’s vision or another candidate’s—will hinge on the active participation of its community.