Meriden Election 2023: Nickimmy Hayes Running For Board of Education

MERIDEN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Meriden with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for Mayor, City Council, Board of Education and more.

Meriden Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Nickimmy Hayes, 45, is running for election to the Meriden Board of Education as a Democrat.

Education.

BA from Fisk University

What is your occupation?

Union Organizer, 21 years

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I am married to Jason Hayes who is a Meriden Public School teacher and we have four beautiful children who all attend Meriden Public Schools. Our one and only son Jason is 14, our oldest daughter Kimiko is 11, and our youngest are 7 year old twin girls Katara and Kamaya.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking to sit on the Meriden Board of Education because I believe there needs to be representation of parents on the BOE who have children who attend our public schools. Simply put I am running because I am a Mom who cares. One of my key priorities is promoting diversity and inclusivity within our schools. I am dedicated to advocating for the recruitment and retention of Black and Latino educators, as well as championing an equity-centered approach in all educational initiatives. I firmly believe that every student deserves equal access to a high-quality 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 facing my constituents is that many of our parents don’t feel that their issues and/or concerns are being heard. As a BOE Member I would have at least 2 open forums throughout the school year so parents can ask questions and have an open dialogue.

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

I feel I am in a unique position that not only am I an involved and concerned parent but I work with Teachers, Para Educators, and other School Personnel on a daily basis in my role at the American Federation of Teachers Connecticut. I not only know their issues but have helped to come up with solutions alongside them throughout the state in districts we represent. I can bring some of those ideas to Meriden.

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

As mentioned before, the recruitment and retention of Black and Latino teachers is important to me. Also, as parent of a child with an IEP it is also important to me that parents are taught how to be an advocate for their child. I know how daunting PPT meetings can be, I want parents to know they are not alone. We can give them the tools to empower them.

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

I have worked on education issues for 20+ years but more than anything I believe my being a mother to public school children qualifies me. From the day my oldest started kindergarten I have been an involved parent. I have chaperoned field trips and school dances, served/currently serve on the PTO (Treasurer, Vice President) and School Governance Council as a Parent Member.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Learn from your failures, and keep trying.

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

If you vote for me for the Meriden BOE I will not disappoint you. I will hear you and see you.

Are you running for office in Meriden? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on Meriden Patch.