Patch Candidate Profile: Rebecca Anne Cudgma 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:
Rebecca Anne Cudgma

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Branford, CT

Party Affiliation:
unaffiliated- petitioning candidate

Occupation:
personal assistant and estate management, 10+ years, and mom of 13 years

Family:
I am a mom of two boys (ages 10 and almost 13) who I am proudly raising here in my hometown of Branford.

It has been a joy to support them as they get active in their schools, clubs, sports, theater, and volunteering. I truly appreciate that Branford offers such a wide range of opportunities— from academics and the arts, to athletics and service— that allow them to explore a diverse range of interests and grow within the community.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Not yet!

Why are you seeking this office?
I was motivated to run for the Board of Education because I believe every child deserves a school environment that helps them feel seen, supported, and inspired. It is important to me that as a district, we are confident in what we are providing our children.

Over the last decade, I have been actively supporting my children and their schools, which equips me with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges that our education system faces.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Bullying is front of mind for many Branford families; however, I think solutions tend to get lost due to the problems at hand not constituting "bullying" per the state's language. I would love to be a part of collaborative efforts to strengthen BPS policies to address these issues early, before they escalate, in an effort to be proactive, not reactive.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The major difference that sets me apart is the fact that I am a petitioning candidate. I am running without a party's endorsement because I have a genuine commitment to our schools and community. Getting on the Board of Education in this way, will allow me to approach every issue with an open mind and a pragmatic focus that will remain solely on what’s best for Branford’s students.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I look forward to the opportunity to advance the Master Facilities Plan, address the racial imbalance issue in our elementary schools, better support our staff, and to see our academic offerings evolve to provide a more tailored and specialized education even younger than we currently do.

I intend to be a truly independent voice for Branford students, parents, teachers, staff, and the community-- ensuring everyone feels heard, resources are efficiently and effectively put to use, and communication remains transparent and reliable.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As a parent, I have always chosen to take an active role in my children's educational careers. From the Parent Advisory Board to each PTA, to the School Climate Board, to being a room parent in their classrooms each year-- I have been an active participant in the schools ever since.

In doing so, I grew motivated to throw my hat in the ring when there have been vacancies on the Board of Education. Since then, I have followed the Board happenings consistently, so I am more than ready to jump into the role, and pick up where we've left off.

Professionally, I've spent years managing details and priorities, resolving issues before they become problems, and ensuring projects run smoothly from behind the scenes. This has strengthened my ability to plan, problem solve, communicate, and balance a multitude of needs-- all essential to the role.

My experience as a parent, community advocate, and estate manager prepare me to contribute meaningfully to the Board of Education.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My mom was always a doer — always finding ways to help or contribute. She taught me that if you want to see change, you should be a part of creating it — a value that continues to guide me and has inspired my decision to run.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I would like voters to know that I petitioned onto the ballot to remain true to myself and my values, and to offer a truly independent perspective. I believe decisions about our schools should be made collaboratively and without political influence. My focus is simple: what’s best for Branford’s students.