Meriden Election 2025: Matthew Ehmka 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.

Matthew Ehmka is running for election to the Meriden Board of Education as a Republican.

Campaign Website
https://www.facebook.com/matth...

Party Affiliation:
Republican/we the people/independents

Occupation:
Art/technology PLTW Teacher

Family:
Yes two daughters one Madison “Jude” Ehmka 22 years old and Summer “Ash” Ehmka 15 years old

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
Working in education for nearly 25 years it’s given me insight from the other side of the desk and I hope to help by sharing my perspective from working in the classroom and hope to be given the opportunity to represent teachers on the board.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The lack of funding and support for Meriden public schools, to be able to find ways to support our staff & students through open communication and sharing information. Always putting the best interest of our students first! Doing what is right not about being a Democrat or a Republican but help our community see working together is what will help our community most.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I actually work in education my opponent is a realtor…I feel she lacks the knowledge and skillset needed to make the difference our students deserve. I also feel the knowledge I’ve acquired over the last two decades working with multiple teachers unions, numerous teacher based committees to improve school climate and working with students daily sets me well apart from my opponent who lacks the time in the classroom as well as the communication with parents over the years to focus on what’s most important to them.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
School safety, open communication and transparency between schools, administration, staff and the community. Keeping students also involved in things since they are critical to our future and the community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Working at a blue ribbon accredited school for over two decades, working on multiple NEASC review teams, being an active member of the union council, a member of three teachers unions, running multiple afterschool clubs for students to have options outside of the school day to learn and excel in the arts. Holding multiple teaching certifications in Connecticut both k-12 art and a technology & engineering certification. Working at an ACES magnet school provides a different perspective on public education.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
That there is nothing more precious than sharing the gift of your time. Spending it with family and those you love is worth more than all the money in the world.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
That I will always put our students first. It’s not about politics, it’s about our future. The future leaders of this community, the small business owners who support our schools, the amazing teachers and support staff that make magic happen while being the lowest funded district in the state! That our students deserve the support and understanding from a board built with experience from being in the classroom, that Meriden is a community of hard working dedicated citizens that believe in a bright future for all the diverse learners in our schools.