Patch Candidate Profile: Cathy Miller, Madison Board of Education

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

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

Cathy Miller, 58, a former staff developer at Colombia Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, a literary consultant, an adjunct professor at Sacred Heart University and an educator with 37 years of experience, is running for a seat on the Madison Board of Education as a democratic candidate.

Miller is running uncontested for the seat on the Madison Board of Education.

Miller has lived in Madison for 16 years and said she and her husband, Joe, moved to Madison for the schools and the community. Miller and Joe have two daughters: Flynn, a Junior at The College of the Holy Cross, and Sloan, a freshman at Marist.

Miller holds a Master's in Elementary Education, a sixth year in Reading, and certifications in Pre-Kindergarten-6th grade, reading recovery and reading consultant.

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

Yes, I’ve served on BOE for the past four years.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am a 35-year veteran educator committed to the Madison school district. As a resident of Madison for 16 years, my children have benefited from the excellence of this district. I want to continue to share my knowledge and expertise as an educator to maintain and grow our district initiatives.

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

Getting the new schools built and refurbished with limited interruptions. I intend to work with the board to continue our clear and transparent communication and messaging regarding the project.

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

Our test scores K-12 have been excellent, teacher retention, student social and emotional health has been on the forefront of all of our work, fiscally responsible budgets have been passed.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Your calendar and your wallet reflect your values.

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

• I always consider kids first when making decisions and voting on important initiatives.
• I bring 35 years of public school experience as a pre-k-4 educator and instructional coach.
• I have a deep understanding of curriculum, instruction, assessment as well as social-emotional learning. This deep knowledge affords me the opportunity to weigh in on issues facing our school district with an informed voice.
• I value transparency within the school district and know the power of strong leadership, positive work culture, and a “kids first” approach to all things related to the school community.