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CT Patch Candidate Profile: Bridget Shirvell For Stonington Board of Education

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 17:31 GMT by Patch
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Bridget Shirvell Eyes Stonington Board of Education Seat: A Deep Dive into Her Campaign

As the 2024 election cycle ramps up across Connecticut, one name is resonating in the small coastal town of Stonington: Bridget Shirvell. The local resident and seasoned educator has announced her candidacy for a seat on the Stonington Board of Education, promising a fresh, community‑focused approach to school governance. In a comprehensive profile posted by Patch, readers are given a closer look at the woman behind the campaign, her motivations, and the specific issues she plans to tackle if elected.

A Rooted Connection to Stonington

Shirvell’s ties to Stonington run deep. Raised in the town’s tight‑knit neighborhoods, she has spent nearly a decade as a teacher in the Stonington Public Schools system, most recently serving as a middle‑school math teacher at Stonington High School. Prior to that, she was a classroom assistant at Stonington Elementary, where she observed firsthand the challenges that smaller towns face in balancing limited resources with high educational standards.

Her educational background further underscores her commitment to learning. Shirvell holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine. These credentials, combined with her hands‑on classroom experience, provide her with a nuanced understanding of the curriculum, teacher needs, and the operational intricacies that keep a school system running.

The Core of Her Platform

The Patch profile breaks down Shirvell’s campaign promises into several key pillars:

1. Equity and Inclusion

“Stonington deserves a board that listens to every voice,” Shirvell told Patch in a concise interview. She stresses that equity is not merely a buzzword; it’s a concrete commitment to ensuring that students from all socioeconomic backgrounds receive the same quality of education. To that end, Shirvell pledges to:

• Expand early‑childhood programs in underserved neighborhoods.
• Introduce scholarship funds for after‑school STEM clubs.
• Work with the district to develop culturally responsive curricula that reflect the town’s diverse heritage.

2. Fiscal Responsibility and Infrastructure

Stonington’s school district has faced budgetary constraints in recent years, especially in maintaining aging infrastructure. Shirvell promises a transparent budget review, where she will:

• Audit the current allocation of funds to identify inefficiencies.
• Prioritize capital projects such as the renovation of the school gymnasium and the installation of new Wi‑Fi infrastructure across all campuses.
• Seek state and federal grants earmarked for technology upgrades, ensuring that students remain competitive in a digital age.

3. Teacher Support and Professional Development

Recognizing the pivotal role of teachers, Shirvell’s platform focuses heavily on support mechanisms:

• Negotiation of more favorable contract terms that reflect rising living costs.
• Implementation of a mentorship program pairing seasoned educators with newcomers.
• Increased funding for ongoing professional development, especially in areas like inclusive teaching and digital literacy.

4. Safety and Well‑Being

School safety remains a top concern for parents. Shirvell proposes:

• An annual review of security protocols, including the integration of modern surveillance technology.
• Mental‑health resources for students, including counseling staff and well‑being workshops.
• Community partnerships with local law enforcement and health agencies to facilitate safe school‑to‑home routes.

The Candidate’s Community Footprint

Beyond her formal role as an educator, Shirvell has been actively involved in various civic projects. She sits on the board of the Stonington Historical Society, leads the Community Arts Initiative, and volunteers with the Stonington Food Bank. These engagements have earned her a reputation as a “town‑spirit” candidate—someone who sees school governance as an extension of community health.

Patch’s coverage also highlights how her volunteer work shaped her perspective on educational equity. “Seeing families struggle to access nutritious meals and basic supplies drives me to ensure that our schools are more than just academic institutions,” she says. “They’re safe havens.”

Election Logistics and How to Get Involved

Stonington’s Board of Education election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. The town’s elections are open to all registered voters, and the Patch article provides detailed instructions on how to register and what to expect at the polling place. Key points include:

• Early voting is available from October 1–4.
• Voter ID requirements—any government‑issued photo ID is acceptable.
• Drop‑box locations throughout the town for convenient ballot submission.

Shirvell’s campaign is also actively encouraging volunteer sign‑ups. She’s calling on residents to help with canvassing, phone banking, and social media outreach. A link in the Patch article directs readers to a dedicated campaign page where they can sign up as volunteers or make donations.

What’s Next for Stonington?

The Stonington Board of Education currently sits with five members, each representing a different portion of the town’s demographic and geographic diversity. With Shirvell’s entry into the race, the board could shift toward a stronger focus on equity and technology, potentially reshaping how resources are allocated in the coming years.

Local educators, parents, and community leaders are already taking notice. A representative from Stonington Elementary School, for instance, remarked, “Bridget’s experience and her passion for equity resonate with many of our parents. If she gets elected, we’ll likely see a more inclusive approach to resource distribution.”

Final Thoughts

Bridget Shirvell’s candidacy is emblematic of a broader trend in local school board elections: the emphasis on community engagement, fiscal responsibility, and an inclusive curriculum. The Patch article does a commendable job of laying out her credentials, her vision for the district, and actionable ways for residents to participate. Whether or not she secures a seat, Shirvell’s campaign is poised to spark an important conversation about the future of education in Stonington—and perhaps beyond.

Readers can learn more about Shirvell’s campaign and the broader context of Stonington’s educational system through the links provided in the Patch profile, including the official Stonington Board of Education page, the town’s voter registration portal, and a dedicated campaign website where constituents can engage directly with her platform.