Patch Candidate Profile: Gary Peluchette, 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.

Gary Peluchette, 67, is seeking a seat on the Board of Education in Milford to represent the 4th District as a Democratic candidate.

Peluchette holds a B.A., M.A.T and Post Graduate Studies degree and is a retired public-school teacher.

Peluchette’s family includes his wife, Lisa Tyrone.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Current member Board of Education.

Why are you seeking this office?

As a public school educator for 35 years, I have the experience and skill set to continue in my role as an advocate, for our school system.

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

Having a school system that prepares our children for the rapidly changing world in which they will live.

I intend to make sure our city has highly qualified teachers, facilities that foster learning, and leadership that brings all stakeholders to the table.

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

I have the experience of 35 years in public education. I served as a classroom teacher, a mentor to new teachers, and a union leader on a local, state and national level.

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

I will always be available to meet with parents, teachers, administrators and students. I will continue to be transparent regarding the district budgetary process.

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

In my role as the president of the Bridgeport Education Association for 9 years, I represented over 1,500 teachers, supporting them in their daily concerns. I negotiated contracts, resolved grievances and worked to make sure that teachers had what they needed to be successful in the classroom. I was elected to Board of Directors for both the Connecticut Education Association and National Education Association. I advocated for strong public schools on a state and national level. I was awarded the Outstanding Educator Award by the Bridgeport Public Education Fund, and later served on their Board of Directors as well.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Make sure you love what you do.

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

I’ve devoted my life to teaching, so that my students would become lifelong learners, and to teachers so that they could truly make a difference