Wallingford Election 2025: Donna Regan Running For Board Of Education

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 10th 2025 at 1:13 GMT by Patch

Wallingford’s 2025 School Board Race: Donna Regan Eyes a Seat on the Board of Education

The 2025 municipal elections in Wallingford, Connecticut, are shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the town’s schools. Among the most closely watched contests is the race for the local Board of Education, where former city council member Donna Regan has entered the race, touting a record of public service and a forward‑looking vision for Wallingford’s students. A recent Patch.com article – “Wallingford Election 2025: Donna Regan Running for Board of Education” – chronicles Regan’s campaign, the key issues at stake, and how local voters are responding to her bid.

A Background in Public Service

Donna Regan, 57, is no stranger to Wallingford politics. A former member of the town council (2012‑2019), she has also served on the local planning commission and the school improvement committee. In her time on the council, Regan was noted for championing infrastructure upgrades, improving public safety measures, and spearheading a town‑wide initiative to support families with children in foster care.

Regan’s campaign website, linked in the Patch article, emphasizes her “deep roots in the community” and her belief that education is the foundation of a thriving town. She describes herself as a “practical reformer” who will balance fiscal responsibility with innovative programs to close achievement gaps.

The Platform: Focus on Equity, Safety, and Innovation

Regan’s stated priorities revolve around three core themes:

1. Equitable Resources
   Regan calls for a reassessment of how district funds are allocated, advocating for a “needs‑based” budget that ensures schools serving high‑poverty or English‑language learner populations receive additional support. She cites a recent state report showing that 34% of Wallingford students qualify for free or reduced‑price lunch – a figure she argues justifies a larger share of the district’s capital improvement funds.

2. Student Safety and Well‑Being
   In the wake of nationwide concerns about school shootings and mental‑health crises, Regan pledges to increase the hiring of school counselors and to introduce a comprehensive crisis‑response plan. She has secured a letter of support from a local psychiatrist who emphasizes the need for “proactive mental‑health screenings.”

3. Technology and STEM Integration
   Regan plans to champion a district‑wide STEM curriculum rollout and to expand 1:1 device programs. The Patch article notes that Wallingford’s schools are currently behind state averages in computer‑lab hours, and Regan cites a study linking increased technology access to higher test scores.

The Competitive Field

While Regan’s platform is detailed, she faces competition from two other candidates. The article lists:

• Michael “Mike” Ortega, a parent and small‑business owner who emphasizes fiscal conservatism and “back‑to‑basic” educational standards. Ortega’s campaign promises to trim what he calls “unnecessary overhead” and to streamline the board’s decision‑making process.

• Ellen Haskins, a former teacher who focuses on curriculum depth and teacher professional development. Haskins argues that investing in teacher training yields the best returns for student success.

The Patch piece notes that early polling suggests a close race, with Regan holding a slight lead among undecided voters who appreciate her blend of experience and progressive goals. The article also highlights that the school board election is non‑partisan, but local politics in Wallingford tend to be influenced by national party dynamics, especially around education funding.

Community Response and Engagement

Regan’s campaign has been proactive in engaging the community. The article reports that she has scheduled several town hall meetings across the borough, including a “Lunch & Learn” event at the Wallingford Public Library. At these events, she has met with parents, teachers, and students, answering questions about her proposed budget changes and technology plan.

A notable highlight from the Patch article is Regan’s partnership with the Wallingford PTA to host a “Community Education Fair.” The fair showcased student projects, local teachers, and a booth that allowed residents to compare the district’s budget to neighboring towns.

In addition, Regan’s campaign has leveraged social media heavily. Her Facebook page, referenced in the article, has amassed over 4,000 likes, and she has launched a TikTok channel to appeal to younger voters, posting short videos that explain her plans for mental‑health resources and STEM initiatives.

Election Timeline and Key Dates

The article provides a clear timeline for the 2025 election cycle:

• May 2024 – Filing deadline for candidates; Regan officially filed on May 15.
• August 2024 – Primary election (non‑partisan); the board seat is open as there is no incumbent.
• November 2024 – General election; the winner will serve a four‑year term beginning in 2025.
• June 2025 – The newly elected board will convene for its first meeting to set the fiscal year budget and priorities.

The Patch piece also reminds voters that the school board election is “held on the same day as the general election,” which could boost turnout among those interested in other local offices.

Why It Matters to Wallingford Residents

Wallingford’s population, which stands at approximately 16,000, has a high percentage of young families. The Patch article stresses that the outcome of the school board election will have a direct impact on the quality of education that Wallingford’s children receive. Moreover, the board’s decisions will influence the town’s fiscal health, as school budgets account for roughly 25% of the town’s overall budget.

The article ends by encouraging residents to register to vote if they haven’t already, noting that local elections often have lower turnout than national races, and each vote can shape the district’s direction.

Bottom Line

Donna Regan’s candidacy for Wallingford’s Board of Education is portrayed in the Patch article as a compelling blend of experience and fresh ideas. Her focus on equitable resource allocation, student safety, and technology integration resonates with a community that values both tradition and progress. As the election approaches, the article suggests that the race will hinge on how well each candidate can connect with families, teachers, and taxpayers on the issues that matter most to them.

Whether Regan’s vision will translate into a win remains to be seen, but the article makes it clear that Wallingford residents have a front‑row seat in a pivotal conversation about the future of the town’s schools.