CT Patch Candidate Profile: Bridget Shirvell For Stonington Board of Education

STONINGTON, 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.

Bridget Shirvell, a Democrat, is a Stonington resident running for Board of Education.

Occupation: Writer, 20 years,

Family: Yes, one daughter in first grade at Deans Mill School.

Have you ever held a public office before?

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

I believe public schools represent the heart and health of their communities, and I want to ensure that Stonington's are supported, innovative, and serve the needs of all families. As the mother of a first grader at Deans Mill School, I bring the perspective of a parent who is invested in Stonington students' day-to-day experiences and long-term success.

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

School funding, and I intend to work closely with the Board of Finance, parents, teachers and other community stakeholders to listen to their concerns and find the best path forward.

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

As a writer at the Yale School of Environment and the author of Parenting In A Climate Crisis, my work often delves into the emotional and practical aspects of navigating environmental issues. At Yale, I work closely with students (aka "the big kids," as my child calls them) to elevate their work but also to help them with everything from managing deadlines to their social media accounts to parking tickets. These experiences give me a firsthand understanding of the challenges young people face, and I believe they equip me to be a thoughtful and effective advocate for students and families on the Stonington Board of Education.

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

As the parent of a young child, my family will be part of this district for many years, and I'm aware of the challenges our town and students face — from the pressing need to address the middle school building to developing a plan for AI usage, to figuring out the best options for school food meals that meet nutrition standards and stay in budget, I'm running to help navigate these issues with transparency, thoughtful leadership, and a strong commitment to student well-being and long-term resilience.

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

My work often delves into the emotional and practical aspects families face while navigating environmental issues. I believe that gives me the ability to help address complex issues in a thoughtful, solution orientated way.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don't worry about if we're doomed or not, figure out what you stand for, and stand for it.