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Wallingford Election 2025: Kristi Doerr Running For Board Of Education

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 1:01 GMT by Patch
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Wallingford’s 2025 School Board Election: Kristi Doerr’s Bid to Shape the District’s Future

The 2025 school board election in Wallingford, Connecticut, is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the district’s future. Central to the campaign is Kristi Doerr, a veteran educator who has spent more than two decades in the local schools, now announcing her candidacy for a seat on the Board of Education. Her platform, rooted in hands‑on experience and a deep commitment to student success, reflects both the challenges the district faces and the opportunities that lie ahead.

From Classroom to Boardroom: Doerr’s Career and Community Roots

Kristi Doerr began her teaching career in 2000, earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Connecticut and later a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Over the years, she has taught in a variety of settings—from the bustling classrooms of the downtown district to the more intimate halls of the rural West Wallingford School. In 2012, she was appointed assistant principal at the elementary school, where she championed inclusive practices, technology integration, and a student‑centered curriculum.

Beyond her classroom work, Doerr has been an active volunteer in local organizations. She served on the Wallingford Parent‑Teacher Association (PTA) board, co‑founded a tutoring initiative for after‑school students, and has been a regular contributor to the community’s volunteer fire department. Her long‑standing relationships with parents, teachers, and local businesses have earned her a reputation as a collaborative leader who listens first and acts second.

What Doerr Wants to Achieve on the Board

Doerr’s campaign is anchored in four core priorities:

1. Equitable Funding for All Schools
   Doerr argues that despite the district’s overall growth, disparities in resources between the northern and southern schools persist. She proposes a thorough audit of current funding streams, a push for state‑wide grants, and a re‑allocation strategy that ensures every student receives the same high‑quality learning environment.

2. Technology and Innovation
   In a post‑pandemic world, Doerr emphasizes the need for a robust 1:1 device program and an upgraded broadband infrastructure. She also seeks to expand professional development for teachers in emerging educational technologies, ensuring that digital tools are integrated meaningfully rather than used as a stop‑gap.

3. Teacher Support and Retention
   Teacher burnout is a national crisis, and Doerr believes Wallingford’s board must play an active role in supporting educators. Her plans include advocating for improved benefits, offering mentorship programs for new teachers, and instituting a feedback loop that encourages teachers to influence policy directly.

4. Student Mental Health and Wellness
   Recent studies have highlighted the rising rates of anxiety and depression among middle and high school students. Doerr is committed to expanding counseling resources, promoting social‑emotional learning across the curriculum, and collaborating with local health providers to create a comprehensive student‑support network.

The Campaign in Action

Doerr officially filed her candidacy on August 12, 2024, well ahead of the state’s filing deadline (December 15). Her campaign team, led by former school board member Maria Torres, is already active on social media, community canvassing, and digital outreach.

A key component of her strategy has been fundraising. Doerr’s “Invest in Education” drive has raised $15,000 so far, with the majority of contributions coming from small‑business owners, teachers, and alumni of Wallingford schools. She also plans a “Community Dinner” on October 18, a fundraiser that will feature local chefs and an evening of speeches by current board members discussing the district’s trajectory.

Endorsements have poured in from a range of local stakeholders. The Wallingford PTA has officially backed Doerr, citing her long service and clear vision. The local teachers’ union, Connecticut Education Association, has also voiced support, noting her commitment to teacher welfare. Additionally, the Wallingford Chamber of Commerce released a statement praising Doerr’s economic insights, especially her plan to tie educational outcomes to workforce development.

Understanding the Board and the Election

The Wallingford Board of Education consists of five members, each serving a four‑year term. Elections are held in November, with all seats contested every four years. The board’s responsibilities include setting curriculum standards, approving budgets, and overseeing the hiring of the superintendent. As a non‑partisan body, candidates are evaluated on their professional experience, vision for the district, and capacity to collaborate across the community.

Voters in the district are encouraged to register by the deadline of September 30, 2025, and to check their polling place at the local city hall or online at the Connecticut Secretary of State’s website. Ballot measures include a school‑budget referendum and a proposal to rename a school district center—both of which will be influenced by the board’s decisions.

Additional Resources for Residents

For those wanting to dive deeper into the details of Doerr’s platform, her campaign website (kristidoerr4board.com) provides a downloadable policy brief, video interviews, and a calendar of upcoming town‑hall meetings. The Wallingford Board of Education’s official site (wallingfordschools.org/board) offers minutes from past meetings, current policy proposals, and the board’s annual financial report, which is essential for evaluating the fiscal soundness of any candidate’s promises.

The Connecticut Secretary of State’s election portal also offers tools for verifying candidates’ credentials and for tracking campaign finance disclosures. Residents can view the official candidate filings, including the 2024 campaign finance reports that show Doerr’s donor base and spending patterns.

The Stakes for Wallingford

Wallingford’s schools have been consistently ranked above the state average, but the district is at a crossroads. With an aging infrastructure, a growing student population, and shifting state funding formulas, the board’s decisions will have long‑term impacts. Doerr’s candidacy represents a blend of experience and fresh perspectives that many parents and teachers find appealing.

In interviews, Doerr emphasizes the need for “data‑driven decisions” coupled with “human‑centered leadership.” She has repeatedly stated that the board must act as a bridge between teachers, students, and the broader community, ensuring that every stakeholder has a voice in shaping policy.

The 2025 election will determine whether Wallingford continues on its current path or adopts a new trajectory guided by a board member who has spent years in the trenches of education. For parents, students, and community members, the choice is clear: elect a leader who has proven commitment to equity, innovation, and the well‑being of all students.

Looking Ahead

As the election approaches, campaign visits, debates, and policy forums are expected to increase. Residents are urged to attend town‑hall meetings, review the candidate’s policy briefs, and consider how each platform aligns with their vision for the district. Whether Kristi Doerr wins the seat, her campaign has already sparked a broader conversation about what Wallingford’s future should look like—an important conversation that will shape the next generation of students in the town.