Patch Candidate Profile: Michele DeLucia, East Haven Board of Ed

EAST HAVEN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in East Haven and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

East Haven Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Democrat Michele DeLucia, 48, of East Haven, is seeking reelection to the Board of Education.

Education.

BA Psychology, MA Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Ed.D Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

What is your occupation?

Professor of Psychology since 2005

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Husband-Steve DeLucia, Son- Marchello EHHS class of 2020, Daughter- Charlotte EHHS class of 2022, Daughter - Ellerie 7th grade at EHA

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes I have been a member of the Board of Education since November 2013, serving as Chairperson since 2017

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I hope to continue serving the East Haven School District to the best of my ability. I have been committed to my position and have worked to continue building my knowledge in the field of education. I have dedicated the past several years to study and research focused on school district, family, and community partnerships, earning a Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. I remain passionate about bringing new opportunities to the East Haven School District by continuing to develop partnerships with both local universities and private organizations.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Educational funding, and I will continue to develop the partnership between the Town of East Haven and the Board of Education.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have dedicated the past several years to study and research on education, with a focus on student success through building partnerships between families, the community, and the school district. In addition, I have a genuine interest in education which has led me to develop a knowledge base in academic curriculum, school climate, as well as educational policy and law.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I intend to bring further programming such as our new Aviation Explorers Program (1st middle school aviation program in the country) to our district to address the needs and interest of our students, while providing educational opportunities that will introduce our students to potential future career paths.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Beware of someone that needs to put another person down to lift themselves up.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It has been a privilege and honor to serve as a member of the Board of Education since 2013, and as Chairperson since 2017. As an East Haven School District alumnus, class of 1993, and lifelong resident of East Haven, I hope to have the opportunity to continue working towards the betterment of my hometown.