CT Patch Candidate Profile: Nicole Flowers For Milford Board Of Education

MILFORD, 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 candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Nicole Flowers, a Democrat, is a Milford resident running for Board of Education in the 5th District.

Occupation:

Real Estate since 2013

Family:
My husband and I live in Milford with our two daughters and our dog. Our 7-year old is in 2nd grade at Orange Avenue Elementary and our 4-year old attends preschool.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

This September 2025 I was appointed to a 5th District Board of Education seat. I am completing the term for our BOE member who had to resign due to restrictions from her employer on holding public office. I have thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to jump right in and it is preparing me to hit the ground running should I be elected to a full 2-year term in November.

Why are you seeking this office?
In 2019 my family chose Milford as our home and the place we wanted to set roots and raise our children. Running for Milford's Board of Education is one way I can give back to a community we love-- by using my ears to listen to what people have to say and using my voice to articulate needs, wants and dreams that our community has for our education system.

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 the outcome of the Long Range Facilities Plan, which will help determine whether we will build new schools as well as close or repair aging ones. The future of our schools is very important to me and it was attending both community outreach conversations regarding the LRFP that got me more involved in speaking out for additional resources. This plan continues to be a work in progress with no final decisions made, and I know there will be more opportunities for our Milford community to be involved in this process.

It is a fact that our schools are aging and are costly to maintain-- and something must be done to bring our schools out of the past and into the future. I want to be an integral part of these decisions as a board member, a parent and a community member. These decisions will impact all our Milford families for years to come. Questions need to be asked, people's opinions need to be heard and the outcome should be thoughtful and smartly planned.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
While I respect the dedication and strengths of the other candidates, I believe what sets me apart is my deep, consistent commitment to community and collaboration. I believe in transparency, accountability and showing up for a community.

I see leadership as a shared responsibility to listen, engage, and act on the real needs of the people we serve.

My approach is about standing up for the collective good and making sure every community member feels seen, heard, and valued.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Digital distractions, for everyone not just children, are having a negative impact on society. I don't have all the answers but I think it's important as a community to see how these distractions are affecting our children, their education and mental health. I also believe it has an impact on our teachers' ability to do their jobs.

I am thrilled to be a co-organizer for Ok To Delay, Milford. Our mission is help promote acceptance of the idea that it's okay to delay smartphone and social media usage for young kids -- with no pressure implied, or judgment made, on what someone does or doesn't do.

The more we come together as a community to share information, talk about experiences and support one another, the more empowered families will be to make decisions that feel right for their family.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Working in real estate has given me a unique and valuable perspective that translates well to serving on the Board of Education. I’ve successfully built relationships, negotiated complex deals, and advocated for clients—all of which require clear communication, listening skills, and a strong sense of integrity.

I understand the real-world impact of educational policies on families, property values, and community development. I bring both a business mindset and a deep commitment to public service.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Something my dad always says, "The answer is always no -- unless you ask."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Fostering community is really important to me.

I am a co-leader for a Girl Scout Brownie Troop. My mother, who was a teacher, was my Girl Scout leader, and I can see that so much of what she gave me as a child has helped shaped how I mother my girls. Having daughters, I wanted to create a space for them to start learning how to give back to their community and how to start using their voices; Girl Scouts felt like a natural place to start.

We have an amazing Troop of strong and creative young ladies. We are a Troop that loves to plant American flags on Memorial Day for our Veterans -- and to pick up trash in our town!

In addition, I spearheaded Silent Book Club, Milford. We are a group of readers who come together monthly to socialize and then have independent silent reading. Every month we meet at a different location in Milford to support local businesses.

I have enjoyed speaking with 5th District residents and I look forward to continuing to do so. I appreciate this opportunity to better serve Milford and our education community as a whole.

I look forward to seeing you on Election Day!