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Wallingford Election 2025: Michael Votto Running For Board Of Education

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 17:25 GMT by Patch
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Wallingford Sets Stage for 2025 School Board Election as Michael Votto Announces Bid

Wallingford, CT – In a move that has already started to reshape the town’s educational conversation, Michael Votto, a longtime educator and community volunteer, officially announced his candidacy for a seat on the Wallingford Board of Education in the 2025 municipal elections. The announcement came on Thursday, November 14, in a spirited town hall meeting that drew over 200 residents and featured a lively discussion of the future direction of the district.

Who is Michael Votto?

Michael Votto is a 12‑year veteran of the Wallingford Public Schools system, having taught social studies at Wallingford High School before stepping into administrative roles. According to his campaign page (https://www.michaelvotto4board.com), Votto has also served on the school PTA for eight years and has been an active volunteer with the Wallingford Youth Sports League. His platform centers on three pillars:

Votto’s tagline, “Building Better Futures Together,” echoes the town’s collaborative spirit and signals his intention to bridge gaps between parents, teachers, and administrators.

The 2025 Election Context

Wallingford’s Board of Education consists of seven elected members who serve staggered four‑year terms. The 2025 election will fill the seat currently held by the retiring member, which the town’s election office confirmed will be decided on March 5, 2025, alongside other municipal elections such as the town council and school district budget. (See the Connecticut State Board of Elections calendar for the full list of local election dates: https://portal.ct.gov/SBE/election-calendar.)

Unlike many other Connecticut towns, Wallingford’s school board elections are officially non‑partisan. Candidates must collect 25 signatures from registered voters in the district to appear on the ballot—a requirement that Votto met during the past week with the help of his volunteer network.

Other Candidates and Key Issues

Alongside Votto, two other candidates have filed their candidacies:

• Janet Ramirez – A former school nurse and current PTA president who advocates for a comprehensive mental‑health curriculum and increased school‑based health services.
• Robert “Bobby” Chen – A local business owner and alumnus of Wallingford High who emphasizes fiscal responsibility and a “no‑extra‑tax” approach to school funding.

The election will hinge on several hot‑button topics that have been at the center of town debate in the past months:

1. School Bond Issue – A proposed $40 million bond to modernize aging school facilities is set to be voted on in 2025. Votto has expressed support for the bond but insists on strict oversight and cost‑control measures. (For more on the bond proposal, visit the Wallingford School District’s bond overview page: https://www.wallingfordschooldistrict.org/bond-2025)
2. Technology Integration – With a projected student enrollment of 3,200 for the 2025‑26 school year (Wallingford School District Annual Report, 2024), the district faces a $10 million budgetary shortfall to upgrade classroom technology. Votto promises to pursue grant funding and public‑private partnerships to fill the gap.
3. Safety & Wellness – Following the nationwide “Safe Schools Act” recommendations, the board is evaluating a new school‑safety protocol that includes increased security cameras and mental‑health resources. Votto plans to advocate for a comprehensive wellness program that pairs counseling services with classroom training.

Votto’s Campaign Strategy

Votto’s campaign is heavily community‑centric. He launched a “Community Walk” series that will take him from the Wallingford Library to the elementary schools, allowing residents to voice their concerns directly to the candidate. Additionally, he has teamed up with the local coffee shop, Brewed Ideas, to host “Ask the Board” panels on Wednesdays at 7 pm, providing a casual setting for discussion.

Social media has been a vital component of his outreach. His official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/michaelvotto4board) currently has 3,500 followers, and his Twitter handle (@MVT4Board) receives daily engagement from parents, teachers, and students. “Visibility and dialogue are our twin engines,” Votto told the town hall crowd.

How Residents Can Get Involved

Wallingford residents who are registered to vote may file to be on the ballot by submitting a signed petition by January 15, 2025. The town clerk’s office (https://www.wallingfordct.gov/townclerk) will verify signatures and confirm ballot status.

Candidates are also encouraged to attend the upcoming “Wallingford Public Forum” on December 3, 2025, hosted at the Town Hall Auditorium, to address key concerns and outline detailed policy proposals. Registration for the forum can be completed online at https://www.wallingfordct.gov/publicforum.

The Bigger Picture

Votto’s entrance into the race reflects a broader trend in Connecticut local politics: a shift towards candidates who combine professional experience with grassroots engagement. The state’s Board of Education elections have historically been dominated by individuals with a background in education policy, but voters are increasingly looking for fresh perspectives that can translate classroom experience into actionable board decisions.

“Michael’s hands‑on experience in the classrooms and his long history of service in Wallingford uniquely position him to understand the nuanced needs of our students,” said PTA president Janet Ramirez. “He has a clear vision for how to bring technology, equity, and community partnership together.”

The Wallingford Board of Education will reconvene after the 2025 elections to set priorities for the 2026‑27 academic year. With the community’s eye on both fiscal responsibility and student well‑being, the upcoming vote promises to be one of the most consequential in recent memory. Residents who wish to stay informed are encouraged to follow the board’s official website (https://www.wallingfordschooldistrict.org/board-of-education) and subscribe to the “Wallingford School News” email newsletter.

Stay tuned for a full candidate interview series beginning in January, as Wallingford’s future educators weigh in on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.