




Wallingford Election 2025: Caroline Raynis Running For Board Of Education


🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source



Wallingford’s 2025 school board election has drawn a fresh face to the candidate field: Caroline Raynis, a long‑time resident and advocate for educational equity, has filed to run for one of the district’s five board seats. The local Patch report details Raynis’s background, her platform, and the broader context of the upcoming election, giving residents a clear picture of what to expect on election day.
Who Is Caroline Raynis?
Raynis grew up in Wallingford and attended the district’s schools before earning a degree in elementary education. She has spent the last decade working as a teacher at Brookside Middle School, where she has been praised for her dedication to student learning and her hands‑on approach to classroom management. Beyond the classroom, Raynis has served on the Wallingford Parent‑Teacher Association for three years, spearheading initiatives to increase parent involvement in curriculum decisions.
“I’ve seen firsthand how gaps in resources and support can widen inequities,” Raynis told the Patch reporter. “I want to bring that classroom perspective to the board, ensuring that policy decisions are grounded in real‑world classroom realities.”
A Platform Centered on Equity, Technology, and Safety
Raynis’s campaign platform is built around three pillars: equity, technology, and safety.
Equity. Raynis argues that the district’s performance disparities are rooted in uneven distribution of resources. She calls for a comprehensive audit of classroom resources, ensuring that every teacher has the supplies, training, and support needed. She also advocates for expanded mental‑health services, citing a need for more school counselors and crisis‑intervention staff.
Technology. With the pandemic underscoring the importance of digital readiness, Raynis seeks to increase the district’s investment in technology. She proposes a “Tech‑Equity Fund” to provide every student with a personal device and high‑speed internet access. She also supports professional development for teachers to integrate technology into everyday instruction.
Safety. In response to recent concerns about school safety, Raynis emphasizes a collaborative approach. She supports the installation of modern security infrastructure, such as upgraded surveillance systems and controlled access points, while also prioritizing mental‑health support to address the root causes of behavioral incidents.
A Fresh Voice in a Traditionally Conservative Field
The Wallingford Board of Education has long been dominated by a small group of long‑time incumbents. In 2023, incumbent board member Janet Harris announced her retirement, leaving the seat open for the first time in nearly a decade. Raynis’s candidacy is seen as an opportunity for a shift in the board’s focus toward more progressive policies.
“I’m thrilled to bring new ideas to the board,” Raynis said. “My goal is to work across the aisle with my colleagues and ensure that every child in Wallingford receives the quality education they deserve.”
Other Candidates and the Election Landscape
While Raynis is the only candidate highlighted in the Patch piece, the official Wallingford school board election will feature multiple nominees. The town’s elections board released a list of all candidates on the ballot on Tuesday, noting that the election will take place on September 6, 2025, with a primary on June 10.
Residents are reminded that candidates must file their paperwork by April 15. The official election website (https://www.wallingfordschools.org/elections) provides details on filing deadlines, campaign finance reporting, and voter registration requirements. In addition, the Connecticut Secretary of State’s election portal (https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Primary-County-Elections) lists county‑wide election calendars and voting precincts.
Community Response
Local parents and community members have expressed support for Raynis’s platform. Maria Lee, a parent of three students at Brookside, said, “Caroline’s experience as a teacher means she really knows what students need. Her focus on mental‑health support and technology is exactly what our kids deserve.”
However, some board members remain cautious. “While Raynis brings fresh ideas, we must ensure that any new initiatives are fiscally responsible,” said board member Roger Kim. “We need to balance innovation with accountability.”
How to Get Involved
Raynis’s campaign has launched a website (caroline‑raynis‑2025.org) where voters can learn more about her platform, sign up for volunteer opportunities, and donate to her campaign. She has also scheduled a town‑hall meeting on June 12 at the Wallingford Town Hall, open to all residents.
The Patch article concludes by encouraging voters to review all candidates’ platforms and to make an informed decision at the ballot box. “Education is a community responsibility,” Raynis said. “I hope you’ll join me in shaping a brighter future for our children.”
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/connecticut/wallingford/wallingford-election-2025-caroline-raynis-running-board-education ]