Patch Candidate Profile: Kathleen Balestracci, Guilford Board of Ed

GUILFORD, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Guilford, plenty of races with candidates are eager to serve in elected office.

Guilford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Kathleen Balestracci, 56, is running for a seat on the Board of Education in Guilford as a democrat candidate.

Balestracci holds a Ph.D. from Yale University Grade School in Epidemiology and Public Health, an MSW from the University of Connecticut of Social Work and a BA from Haverford College. Balestracci is on the research faculty at the Yale University School of Medicine and is the associate director of Quality Measurement Programs at YNHHSC/Center for Outcomes Research & Evaluation (CORE).

Balestracci has been married to her husband, Chris, for 30 years and has two adult sons.

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

I have served three terms on the Guilford Board of Education

Why are you seeking this office?

I am committed to maintaining the academic excellence of Guilford Public Schools.

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

The provision of rigorous educational services that meet each student's needs, promotes the growth and potential of each student, and does so in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for all students.

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

Academic excellence, as a district and on an individual level, cannot be achieved without concurrent support for the social and emotional wellness of all our students; I will continue to support Guilford Public Schools' commitment to both.

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

I have served on the Guilford Board of Education for 12 years, and as Chair of the Board for 4 years. I have expertise in Board of Education policy, budgets, contract negotiations, and Board management. In addition, as Chair, I have led the Board and supported Guilford Public Schools through a global pandemic, and public attacks on our commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in our schools.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

With regards to this role: Your integrity and the integrity of the Board is primary.