Patch Candidate Profile: Christina Prete, Milford Board of Education

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

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

Christina Prete is running for a seat on the Board of Education in Milford to represent the 1st District as a Republican candidate.

Prete holds a B.S. in marketing from Fairfield University and an MBA from Fairfield University and works as director of resource development.

Prete’s family includes her husband Buddy, Daughter Makenna Prete, who graduated with a B.S. in finance and business analytics from Fairfield University, and her son Matthew who is 2nd year carpentry apprentice with NASCTF Carpenters Union.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this office because my time has come full circle in being involved with Milford Public Schools. I am a lifelong Milford resident and truly love this city. I am a graduate of Jonathan Law and my involvement with Milford Public Schools dates back to 2006 when I became involved as a parent with every school that our kids attended. I've held PTA/PTO officer/member positions at Calf Pen Meadow, Harborside, One Voice, and PTA Council. I was happy to be a part of Dr. Feser's Superintendent's Parents Advisory Council and I was named Parent of Year for Calf Pen Meadow in 2014 (along with my husband Buddy) and Harborside Middle School in 2016. I was a Girl Scout Leader for 6 years and from 2012 to 2022 I was a member of the Board of Directors of the Milford Education Foundation. I substitute teach as needed, mainly in all 8 K-5 schools. I feel that all of this experience makes me uniquely qualified to a member of the Board of Education.

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

The single most pressing issue is ensuring that Milford's students are college and career ready and have a solid foundation to become happy and productive adults. I intend to contribute in any way I can to ensure that Milford Public Schools continue to educate and care for the whole student as I have seen first hand our classrooms and we have great learning environments.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have had involvement in Milford Public Schools in so many ways: a graduate myself, a parent for 13 years where I got involved in all the PTAs/PTOs and was an officer for several years, a member of PTA Council and Dr. Feser's Parent's Advisory Council, a member of the Board of Directors of the Milford Education Foundation (2012-2022), Parent of the year in 2014 and 2016, and now a substitute teacher. I have a unique perspective as I have seen Milford Public Schools from so many angles due to my involvement.

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

We need to take a close look at our budget and I look forward to seeing the results of the Facilities Study that was requested.

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

I have a unique combination of not only having a good business sense to review and understand budgeting and spending from my professional career, but also knowing the unique needs of our students having been involved so deeply throughout the years with Milford Public Schools.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Why be a secretary, when you can have a secretary" - My Italian Grandmother circa 1980's.

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

I am deeply committed to this city and am always looking to help wherever I can. I seek out opportunistic calls for volunteers with numerous organizations around Milford and am happy to join in. I am collaborative and easy going and love to talk through complex topics and seek input from all perspectives.

Does your campaign have a website?

www.milfordctgop.com.