Meriden Election 2025: Ayra Garcia Running For Board Of Education

MERIDEN, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in Meriden with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the position of mayor, along with seats on the City Council and Board of Education.

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

Ayra Garcia is running for election to the Meriden Board of Education as a Democrat.

Occupation:
Former Teacher in NYC 15 years

Family:
I'm a Proud mom to three amazing kids. Dalyah, 27, Grace, 8, and Jorge, 7. My family is my heart, and they're the reason behind everything I do.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No one in my family works in politics or government

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No, I have never held a public office.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for the Meriden Board of Education because I believe our schools are more than just classrooms; they are the heart of our community. As a mother with children in our public schools and as someone with over 15 years of experience in education, I have seen firsthand the difference that a supportive and connected school system can make in a child’s life.

What motivates me most is not politics but people. I want every student in Meriden to feel seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. I want our teachers and families to feel valued and included as essential partners in our students’ success.

For me, this is about service and commitment to our community. It is about making sure every decision we make reflects what is best for our children and strengthens the future of Meriden. I believe that meaningful change happens through collaboration, compassion, and consistency, and I am committed to bringing those values to the work I do every day.

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 ensuring that every child in Meriden receives the support and opportunities they need to succeed, no matter their background or circumstance. Too often, our students and educators are asked to do more with less, and families feel disconnected from the decisions that impact their children. There is also a growing concern about the lack of consistent and transparent communication between school administration and parents, which creates frustration and limits collaboration.

I intend to address this by advocating for stronger, more open lines of communication between schools, administrators, and families. I will work to ensure that parents’ voices are not only heard but valued in the decision-making process, while supporting teachers and staff with the tools they need to reach every learner. My goal is to build a school system where every child feels valued, every educator feels supported, and every parent feels informed and empowered.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
What sets me apart from other candidates is that I come not as a politician, but as a concerned parent with children currently in Meriden’s public schools, and as an experienced educator who has dedicated over 15 years to supporting students and families. I understand the challenges our teachers face inside the classroom, as well as the concerns parents experience at home, because I live them every day.

My approach is grounded in collaboration, transparency, and empathy. I believe in listening first, bringing people together, and finding practical solutions that truly reflect the needs of our community. My experience serving on several local boards and organizations has given me the skills to advocate effectively, build partnerships, and ensure that every decision keeps our students at the center.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
In addition to supporting every child’s success in Meriden, I plan to focus on several key issues that will strengthen our schools and our community. I want to ensure all students have access to high-quality early childhood education, enrichment programs, and opportunities to close achievement gaps. Supporting our teachers and staff with the resources, training, and professional development they need is also a top priority.

I am committed to improving communication and collaboration between families and school administration so that parents feel informed and heard. I also plan to advocate for programs that support students’ social and emotional well-being, safe and healthy school environments, access to technology and innovative learning tools, and opportunities in the arts, sports, and extracurricular activities. My goal is to create a school system where students, teachers, and families all feel supported, empowered, and connected.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As a former educator in the New York City Department of Education and a certified teacher in Special Education, I developed a deep understanding of the importance of equity, inclusion, and collaboration within our schools. In that role, I worked closely with students, families, and staff to create individualized learning plans and ensure that every child, regardless of background or ability, had access to the resources and support they needed to succeed. This experience strengthened my ability to listen, advocate effectively, and make thoughtful decisions that put students first.

Beyond the classroom, I have served on several community boards and local organizations here in Meriden, where I have gained valuable experience in leadership, program development, and fiscal oversight. These roles have given me a broad perspective on how to manage resources responsibly and build partnerships that strengthen our schools and community.

Together, these accomplishments demonstrate my commitment to educational excellence, my understanding of the challenges our schools face, and my readiness to serve on the Board of Education with integrity, accountability, and a student-centered focus.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice anyone ever gave me was to lead with my heart but use my mind to guide the way. That simple phrase has stayed with me through every stage of my life. As a teacher, a mother, and now as someone running to serve my community, it reminds me that empathy and understanding are just as important as good judgment and clear thinking. It has taught me to listen before I speak, to act with purpose, and to always make decisions that reflect both compassion and responsibility. That advice has shaped not only how I lead, but also how I live every day.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am running for the Board of Education not as a politician, but as a parent, neighbor, and former educator who has dedicated my career to supporting students and families. I have worked closely with students of all abilities and know the challenges and opportunities our schools face every day. I understand the importance of giving every child the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.

As a mom, I see firsthand the hopes and concerns families have for their children. As an educator, I know the dedication it takes to help every student succeed. My goal on the Board is to be a strong voice for parents, teachers, and students, listening, advocating, and making thoughtful decisions that put children first. I am committed to improving communication between schools and families, supporting our educators, and ensuring resources are used wisely to benefit every student.

I believe that when our community works together with respect, understanding, and shared purpose, we can create schools that inspire our children and prepare them for a bright future.