2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Karl Stocker,​ Board Of Education, Ellington.

ELLINGTON, CT — Karl Stocker is running for a school board seat in Ellington.

Candidate's Name:

Karl Stocker

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Ellington

Campaign Website
https://www.elldtc.org/team-3

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Professor of Philosophy, Coordinator of the Philosophy Program, Eastern Connecticut State Unviersity, 20 years

Family:
I'm happily married to my wife, Lori, of 27 years! We have two amazing children - Will, a junior at the University of Delaware, and Ellie, a 6th-grader at Windermere Elementary School.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No - this is my first time running for public office.

Why are you seeking this office?
I believe the Ellington Board of Education would benefit from having the perspective of someone who is actively engaged in the educational system, and who sees first-hand the benefits and shortfalls of our schools. As a professor I understand the skills students need to continue academic success beyond high school, but I also have an appreciation for pathways that don't necessarily lead to college. I also believe my experience interacting with educational administration gives me the insight to ask questions that need to be asked about policy, performance, and transparency in decision-making. Finally, given how rapidly our educational landscape is changing, I believe bringing some new and informed perspectives to the Board of Education would make a big difference.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
I've been out meeting and learning from the people of Ellington on their doorsteps, and different people have different priorities - so much so that I don't think there's a single issue that is on everyone's mind. But that is why perhaps a top priority would be to give voices to all the stakeholders in our community - citizens, teachers, staff, students, and the town. I believe that most people see the Board of Education as somewhat disconnected from their interests, which makes good governance more difficult in everything from policy decisions to passing budgets. I would work to include more perspectives in Board deliberations, including making meetings more accessible and interactive.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
None of the current Board members up for election has any recent first-hand experience in education, as far as I am aware. I bring over 20 years of studying and practicing in the classroom, with a focus on methods that work. I also have had a child go through the Ellington school system from kindergarten through graduation, and have another still currently in elementary school, which gives me both perspective and motivation to help our schools achieve excellence.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Being more creative with the funding model for our schools is a point of emphasis for me. Our schools continue to need support, and an excellent school system benefits us all, but we need to look for ways to make this happen without always coming to the residents with our hands out. I believe the Board could be more aggressive and smarter about pursuing other sources of funding, particularly grant money. I also think the Board could utilize some amazing resources we already have, like our current State Representatives, more effectively to help reduce the town's financial burden.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have what I like to call a "360-degree view" of our school system. Firstly, I point to my over 20 years as an educator, and one who is still currently teaching our students. Secondly, I've had one child go through all 13 years of schooling in Ellington, and another currently in elementary school, so I have a complete parent's perspective. Thirdly, I have been about as actively involved in the school system at every level as a citizen can be: Treasurer of the Windermere PTO, Vice President and President of the Middle School PTO, Chair of numerous projects and fundraisers, and volunteer for more events than I can name. Fourth, I have been a regular attendee at Board of Education meetings for the past several years, and even participated on the "Ellington Unplugged" advisory committee.

But as much as all that, I have a personal commitment to being led to the most reasonable answer by the best available evidence and quality reasons. I try not to prejudge issues but instead listen to perspectives, ask questions when necessary, and try to make the best determination. The Board needs that kind of independent thought.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
One of the benefits of teaching Philosophy is that I get the chance daily to learn from some of the greatest minds humanity has to offer, but that makes picking the best advice rather difficult. If there is one overarching lesson I take away, and try to teach, it is to be humble about your beliefs. That is, make the best decision you can with the information you have, but remain open to the possibility that you have gotten it wrong. Changing your mind for good reason is not weakness - quite the opposite as it often takes real courage. This is extremely difficult, but it's the only way to truly grow.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I've been knocking on doors since the summer, so I've had the chance to speak with many people, but if anyone would like to contact me, for questions or comments, please find my Facebook campaign page @ Karl Stocker for Ellington Board of Education. I want to hear from you, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve Ellington!