CT Patch Candidate Profile: Michelle Hopson For Board Of Education

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

Candidate's Name:
Michelle Hopson

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Westport, CT

Campaign Website
https://www.votefor4.com/

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
I am an education and nonprofit leader with nearly 20 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, school administration, and organizational leadership. I currently serve as Principal Consultant at Hopson Consultancy and Adjunct Professor of Engineering & Technology at CT State Colleges & Universities. Since 2006, I have worked across both education and mission-driven sectors to strengthen programs, people, and communities.

Family:
I have been married to my husband, Seth, for 18 years and we are the proud parents of our daughter, Sophia, a sophomore at Staples High School. We also have a 17-year-old Shih Tzu, Mika. In our free time, you can find us at the town dock. We love spending family time boating and taking day trips to the Norwalk Islands.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Not currently, but I was raised in a deeply community-minded family that valued active engagement and service, elected or not. My grandfather and uncle both served on their local town council, similar to Westport’s RTM, where they focused on addressing community needs. That example shaped my own commitment to giving back; whether through education, civic organizations, or church programs, I’ve always been driven to make a positive impact.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
In 2021 I was appointed as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Upon the passing of a highly respected ZBA board member in 2022, I stepped into his role and completed the term. I was then re-elected to the seat in 2023. I am currently serving in an alternate role.

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m running because I believe education is the greatest passport to opportunity. As a mom and naturalized citizen who built a life through learning, I’ve experienced first-hand how access, belonging, and support can change a child’s trajectory. Our schools are where confidence is built, creativity is sparked, and futures take shape. I want to ensure every Westport student, no matter their background or learning style, has the resources, rigor, and encouragement to thrive. For me, this isn’t politics; it’s personal.

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 ensuring every student has the support, resources, and environment needed to reach their full academic potential. I intend to work closely with the Superintendent and community partners to identify gaps, strengthen systems, and focus investments where they matter most: inside the classroom. With over $150 million invested each year, families deserve transparency, accountability, and results that reflect true academic excellence. I’ll bring a strategic, solutions-oriented approach, asking the right questions, aligning priorities, and fostering collaboration to keep students at the center and move Westport schools forward.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
What sets me apart is not just my experience, but how I think. My background spans education, nonprofit leadership, and business systems, which gives me a multidimensional perspective on problem-solving. I approach challenges like a systems engineer, looking at the inputs, processes, and outcomes; not in isolation but as interconnected parts. I think in layers: macro, mezzo, and micro, so I can zoom out to see the bigger picture while also zooming in to address the details that drive real results. That mindset allows me to ask better questions, identify what’s missing, and design practical solutions that make our schools stronger for every student.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Beyond academic achievement, I intend to focus on strong leadership, transparent governance, and responsible oversight of our $150 million school budget. We must safeguard resources while ensuring that every dollar directly supports students and teachers. I’ll advocate for thoughtful policies that address real concerns like balancing technology use and the cell phone ban, navigating the rise of AI, and strengthening special education, academic support, and college readiness. Our teachers deserve the tools, time, and meaningful professional development to thrive in a rapidly evolving classroom environment. Above all, I’ll champion school safety and emergency preparedness as non-negotiable priorities for our district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I know what it means to build something from the ground up because I’ve lived it. As a naturalized citizen and third-language English speaker, education was my bridge to belonging and opportunity. That belief guided everything that followed, from launching Connecticut’s first Sheltered ESL program and creating community-sponsored student initiatives, to mentoring first-generation college students and helping nonprofits strengthen their systems. Whether guiding a classroom, running a business, or serving on local boards, I’ve learned that leadership starts with listening, empathy, and the courage to act. My greatest accomplishment isn’t a title or program, it’s creating spaces where others can learn, grow, and find their voice, just as I once did.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I’ve ever received is: “The best teachers are leaders, and the best leaders are teachers.” (which is a quote from Harvard Professor, Thomas DeLong). That idea has shaped how I show up in every role. The best leaders don’t command, they teach, simplify, and inspire. They make complex ideas understandable and create space for others to grow. Whether in the classroom or the boardroom, true leadership is about connection, collaboration, and helping people want to work toward something bigger together.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
What I want voters to know is that I don’t see this as politics, I see it as service. I’ve built my life around education because I believe it changes families, futures, and communities. As someone who’s navigated language barriers, new systems, and new beginnings, I know what it feels like to need support and to give it. That’s the lens I bring: empathy, curiosity, and the courage to solve problems side by side with others. I’m running to make sure every student feels seen, supported, and prepared for whatever comes next.

At my core, I’m a bridge builder. Whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or the community, I bring people together to turn challenges into progress. I believe strong schools start with strong relationships between families, teachers, and the board, and I’m committed to leading with transparency, accountability, and respect. My goal isn’t to win arguments; it’s to find solutions that move our students and our town forward.