Deep River DTC Announces November Candidates

The Deep River Democratic Town Committee (DTC) has been working diligently to select a highly experienced slate of candidates for this year's municipal election to be held on November 4, 2025.

Incumbent First Selectwoman Carol Jones and Incumbent Selectman Duane Gates are running to continue the work they have started. Both Carol and Duane have given decades of their time in service to Deep River constituents in the form of volunteering and serving the residents of Deep River. They’re Democrats who listen to and work for all of the people in our town. They are currently actively engaged in working to restructure our school system to maintain excellence and save taxpayer money without eliminating services. Since the schools’ costs encompass the greatest portion of taxpayer dollars, this is a critical task for our town, and one that Carol and Duane are committed to.

Speaking of schools, Incumbent Deep River Elementary School (DRES) Board of Education members Bob Ferretti and Lenore Grunko continue their commitment to serving the families of our elementary students and families. Lenore is a retired educator who has taught in elementary, middle, and high school; she has insight and experience in school closures and restructuring, with an eye toward ensuring that children’s needs are met. Bob is an administrator at Yale University, and he has worked with his colleagues on the BOE to ensure that the students receive a rigorous, engaging, and inclusive education. They are being joined by Kyra Beta, who recently gave up her position as the DRES PTO President to run for the Board of Education. Kyra grew up in Deep River and went through the schools here, so she has firsthand experience as both a parent and a student. All three are well-qualified to lead the DRES into its next iteration while maintaining quality programs.

Running for the Deep River seat on the Region 4 Board of Education is Keri MacLean. Keri has two children in the schools and is currently the Assistant Superintendent in the Cromwell School District. Her experience from 26 years as an educator in Connecticut Schools, with a focus on budgeting, grant writing, and facility development, will bring a wealth of knowledge to the strategic planning required by Region 4 and the Town of Deep River, saving Deep River taxpayers money while providing continued excellence in educational experiences for our older students.

Donna Mingrone is running for the Library Board of Trustees. Also a retired educator, Donna has lived in Connecticut her whole life and spent 37 years in education as a paraprofessional, special education teacher, computer teacher, teaching principal, and curriculum and technology director. During her 13 years in administration, Donna supervised the library media programs in three districts, as well as expanding the technological resources for students and staff. Much of her funding was in the form of grants, which she wrote for her districts, obtaining well over half a million dollars to purchase new equipment. If elected, Donna has volunteered to write the state grants to fund the rebuilding of the Deep River Library so that this important community facility can be enhanced and expanded for future generations.