Patch Candidate Profile: Michele Russell For Naugatuck Board Of Education

NAUGATUCK, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:

Michele Russell

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

What town do you live in?

Naugatuck

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Retired educator from Naugatuck High School (31 years as a math teacher and 8 years as Department Chair).

Family:

Married 37 years to Paul 61, (NHS class of 1981), retired from Naugatuck Fire Department

I have two children: Son Jeffrey 35, ( NHS class of 2008), Assistant Principal at Farmington High School; Daughter Hailey 23, (NHS class of 2020), Accountant for Deloitte.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals since 2020.

Why are you seeking this office?

I want to make sure every student has the best opportunities possible. I believe my experience from the teacher’s side and the parent’s side can help guide thoughtful decisions that support our students, teachers and families.

I understand the challenges our schools face and the opportunities we can create for our students. Our schools not only prepare students for their future, schools bring families together and serve as the heart of the town through events, traditions and shared pride.

As someone who has experience in the classroom and leadership within the school system, I will be able to make informed and thoughtful decisions about how and where to allocate tax dollars in a responsible way that benefits our community.

Together we can build a stronger, smarter future for Naugatuck.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:

Selecting our next Superintendent for our school district.

If elected I will take the input from the focus groups and the results from the questionnaire, then use that information to formulate questions for the candidates to elaborate on. My constituents took the time to answer questions and give their input on what they want in their next superintendent. It is only right that we listen and respond to their needs. As a member of the BOE, one of my duties is to be their voice in making important decisions involving their children’s educational needs. What’s more important than selecting our next Superintendent.

The new superintendent needs to fully understand the demographics of Naugatuck, have a strong knowledge of school finances and resources and a great sense of community. Everyone in the school system is valued and supported. Everyone is an essential part of the whole.

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

I think we share the same common goal- “What is best for our students”.

A strong education system ensures that every child regardless of background has the opportunity to be successful. Being inside the classroom to help that child be successful is what makes my candidacy different. As a retired educator, I have firsthand knowledge and experience that I can bring to the table to help guide policy decisions.

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

-Budget and the district’s operating expenses.
-Student mental health and well-being.
-Retaining students from kindergarten through high school.
-Family and community involvement.
-Continue to attract high quality educators.

Public schools face immense challenges, but also opportunities for innovation. Addressing these will require collaboration among educators, families, policymakers and community.

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

• Educator for 31 years at Naugatuck High School.
• Eight years as Math Department Chair at NHS.
• Interim Dean of Students at NHS.
• Tutoring.
• NHS Graduation Director (1999-2022).
• Class Advisor (1992-2020).

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Actually I have two:

As an educator - “Is this good for kids?” George Macary (retired educator Naugatuck High School).

As a human being- “Be nice to each other. It’s really all that matters.” Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung (late principal Sandy Hook Elementary School).

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

Being a daughter of the first woman Mayor of Naugatuck, Joan Taf, my mom instilled in me and my two sisters the importance of giving back to your community. My sister, Joanne Allison, is a member of the Naugatuck Police Commission and my other sister, Laurie Taf Jackson, was a former Burgess and Deputy Mayor for this town.

Being a life long resident, (NHS class of 1979), a proud parent of two NHS grads, and a dedicated teacher, I have seen firsthand what a strong public education can do for a community. Now I am ready to give back in a new way. I am running because I want to ensure that the next generation of Naugatuck students have the same opportunities my children and my former students had. I loved being a high school teacher, l love living in this town, and now I want to put that passion to work on the BOE.