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Meriden Election 2025: Matthew Ehmka Running For Board Of Education

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 4:34 GMT by Patch
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Meriden’s 2025 Board of Education Race: Matthew Ehmka Announces Candidacy

On Thursday, March 14, 2025, Meriden resident Matthew Ehmka filed papers to run for a seat on the Meriden Board of Education in the upcoming November election. The announcement, covered by Patch Connecticut, comes at a time when the city’s schools are grappling with budget shortfalls, teacher shortages, and calls for increased equity in curriculum and resource allocation. Ehmka, a former community organizer and adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut’s Hartford campus, says his platform is built on “community partnership, fiscal responsibility, and innovative educational practices.”

A Background Rooted in Education

Ehmka’s ties to Meriden’s public schools run deep. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Hartford, he returned to his hometown to work as a teacher in the 9th grade at Meriden High School. His experience in the classroom led him to pursue a Master’s in Educational Leadership, during which he conducted research on the impact of early childhood programs on long‑term academic outcomes. Ehmka’s career has also included coordinating after‑school programs for at‑risk youth, a role that gave him a front‑line view of the challenges faced by students who struggle to keep pace with the curriculum.

Campaign Themes

According to Patch, Ehmka’s campaign revolves around three core themes: equity, innovation, and fiscal prudence.

• Equity: “We need to make sure every student has the tools to succeed,” Ehmka said in a brief video posted on his campaign website. He supports expanding the district’s Title I programs, increasing funding for bilingual education, and implementing a school‑wide trauma‑informed curriculum. In a recent interview with the Meriden Register, he highlighted the need for a robust early childhood initiative, arguing that “a solid kindergarten start can dramatically alter a child’s trajectory.”

• Innovation: Ehmka proposes a district‑wide technology grant to provide every classroom with a 1:1 device. He also advocates for partnerships with local colleges to bring college‑level courses into high schools, hoping to give students a head start on post‑secondary education. A link to the district’s “Innovation in Learning” proposal (available on the Meriden Public Schools website) outlines specific grant categories and potential vendors.

• Fiscal Prudence: Facing a projected budget deficit of $4.5 million for the 2025–26 school year, Ehmka calls for a transparent audit of the district’s spending. He proposes a “School Finance Transparency Act” that would require quarterly financial reports to be posted on the board’s website. The policy would also limit overtime expenses for staff and create a reserve fund to cushion future shortfalls.

Community Reaction

The local community’s response has been largely positive. Meriden City Councilmember Maria Hernandez, who previously served on the board, praised Ehmka’s “deep-rooted commitment to our students.” She added that his background “gives him a realistic perspective on the challenges we face.” Meanwhile, a group of parents from East Meriden, who are part of the newly formed “Parents for Progressive Education” coalition, welcomed his focus on mental‑health resources for teachers and students alike.

Competition and Context

Ehmka is not the only candidate for the three open board seats. The Patch article notes that incumbent Chairperson Lisa Thompson is seeking re‑election and that a local attorney, Charles Rivera, has also filed. Thompson, who has served on the board for 12 years, is known for her emphasis on traditional curriculum standards and is a vocal opponent of the proposed 1:1 device initiative.

The broader context of Meriden’s education challenges is underscored by recent data from the Connecticut State Department of Education. In the 2023–24 academic year, Meriden students scored 15% below the state average on standardized math tests, and the district’s teacher turnover rate rose to 27%. These statistics are frequently cited in campaign discussions and shape the urgency of the board elections.

Voter Engagement Efforts

Ehmka’s campaign is already mobilizing volunteers for door‑to‑door canvassing, phone banking, and community town‑hall meetings. His website lists upcoming events, including a “Meet the Candidate” session at the Meriden Library on April 10. The campaign has also partnered with the local community college’s student government to distribute flyers and host informational booths at the university’s campus events.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 election is slated for November 5, with early voting beginning September 25. According to the Meriden Election Office, more than 4,200 residents are registered to vote in the city, with an estimated turnout of 45% based on historical data. Voters will decide not only the composition of the board but also the strategic direction of the district’s education policies over the next four years.

In his closing statement, Ehmka reflected on his motivations: “When I saw the disparities in our schools, I realized that change starts at the policy level. I’m here to bring community voices to the board and to work collaboratively to build a Meriden where every student has the opportunity to thrive.” Whether his message resonates with the electorate remains to be seen, but the campaign’s emphasis on equity, innovation, and fiscal responsibility adds a fresh perspective to the local political conversation.