CT Patch Candidate Profile: Kristin O'Neill For Board Of Education

FAIRFIELD, CT — The 2025 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Connecticut Patch asked local candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Candidate's Name:
Kristin O'Neill

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

Campaign Website
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579031145971

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Volunteer/Former Teacher (2005-2014)

Family:
Yes- I am happily married to my husband Tom. We have two children. Grace is 11 and a sixth grader at Fairfield Woods. Charlie is 9 and in fourth grade at Jennings.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes- RTM District 5, 2023-present

Why are you seeking this office?
I have always been passionate about education. I taught Language Arts at Westhill High School in Stamford for ten years. I loved my job! I am also extremely grateful for the excellent education my two children are receiving in the Fairfield Public Schools. I want to ensure that every student in the district is receiving that level of excellence. I want to be sure every student has access to thoughtful and challenging curriculum. I also want to be sure that every student feels safe and supported.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is stability. The Fairfield Board of Education has faced incredible challenges over the last several years. They have worked tirelessly to ensure continuity through Covid, possible redistricting, and school building projects. They have worked to build a plan for the future in the face of much uncertainty. However, this work and planning is not always obvious to the greater community.

I intend to engage the community as the board continues to develop plans for the future. I am currently the board of education liaison for the Jennings Elementary PTA. I would like to have more interaction between the board and the school ptas. Parent and teacher input is critical, as is community awareness of issues facing the board.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
As a former teacher I have worked on both school and district improvement plans. I was also a member of several curriculum development teams. I understand what it means to create curriculum, and also want it looks like to implement that curriculum in a classroom. What looks good on paper, does not always work in practice! I have done focused work on closing the achievement gap. I designed and implemented course work that exposed all students to college level texts and material, regardless of test scores or class level.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I would like to pay special attention to the issue of equity in our schools. All students should have the same access to special services. The implementation of policies and regulations needs to be handled the same between buildings, and between individual students.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I was elected to the RTM in 2023. Since then I have served as a representative for district five, as well as the secretary for the education and recreation committee. I have also served as a community and state leader for Moms Demand Action Against Gun Violence. In both 2022 and 2024, I was the field director for the campaign of state representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My uncle always told me “never say never.” I promise to always listen to my constituents, and the students and teachers of the Fairfield Public Schools. Even if the issue at hand is something I initially disagree with, it will be my job to listen and consider the opposing opinion. Every voice is valuable!