Patch Candidate Profile: Laura Troidle For Branford Board of Education

BRANFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Laura Troidle

What office are you seeking?
Board Of Ed

What town do you live in?
Branford

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Physician Assistant at Metabolism Associates x 34 years

Family:
Husband, Kurt age 63 and daughter Anneliese 27 and son, Harrison 25. I have lived in Branford since 1972 and graduated from Branford High as did both of my children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
I am currently on the Branford Board of Education and look forward to continuing to serve our great town.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I was elected to the Branford Board of Ed in 2021-2023. I was reappointed to the BOE in January 2024 to present.

Why are you seeking this office?
I have had the honor to be on the Branford BOE for the past 4 years. We hired our new superintendent of schools in 2023 and have witnessed significant progress in our district. We launched our new cell phone policy this fall and have developed a master facility plan to address the needs of our schools. We have beautiful new fields making more sports possibilities for our children. We are addressing bullying which is a complicated matter that threatens the success of our schools and community as well as the well being of our children. We also have the goal of raising our rank in our district reference grouping from the current lower one third to the top third. I have been involved in the many policy changes that have helped propel our schools forward and am hopeful to continue to be a part of this progress lead by Superintendent Tranberg and the many wonderful staff of Branford Public Schools.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
With regard to the BOE I would say that the students, parents and staff concerns about bullying (be that actual bullying or school safety issues or even a sense of belonging) in and out of our school community are significant concerns. Others have mentioned our district reference grouping rank and want to see Branford rise to its potential. I see these issues as linked. As a BOE member we pass responsible budgets that allow the schools to operate so that we can address these issues. We also can create policy. For example, we adopted our new cell phone policy that prohibits use from bell to bell. This allows for students to be more engaged in the classroom with less interruptions and for them to engage with their friends and classmates. We feel this can allow for less behavioral issues going forward. We also budgeted for a stronger security team that allows for students to have another avenue for students to seek guidance. I feel my direct role in hiring our current Superintendent Tranberg allows for us to succeed and am excited to see this all unfolds.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have been on the BOE for the past 4 years and contributed greatly to our schools as stated above. My role as a physician assistant for the past 34 years has taught me how to listen to people and how to solve complex issues.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I was on the BOE when we hired Dr Tranberg as our superintendent. I have been on the BOE for the past 4 years and have effectively created policy and passed responsible budgets each year. I chair the Communication committee. I attend all meetings and have been on the Strategic Coherence Committee. I attend BOE workshops. I have a proven track record that shows that not only am I willing to lead, but actually do lead.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My late father once told me when we were discussing some challenges I had as a competitive swimmer that all I can ever do is to just do my best at that moment, give it my all. I try this with everything I do.