Patch Candidate Profile: Christine More, Ridgefield Board of Education

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Ridgefield and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Ridgefield Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Retired elementary special education teacher in the Tarrytown Public Schools, Christine More, 54, is running for a seat on the Board of Education as a Republican. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and philosophy from Goucher College, and a master's in special education from Long Island University. She has been married 22 years to Larry More, and their son Kevin is a junior at Ridgefield High School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

Why are you seeking this office?

Making a difference in the lives of children has always been my passion and purpose. Running for my local Board of Education feels like a natural next step for me after teaching for 26 years. I hope to bring my first-hand perspective and experience to the Board, in order to help guide policy and curriculum that best supports our children in this post pandemic world.

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

Academic learning loss and social/emotional struggles due to the unprecedented pandemic. I plan to prioritize these issues at the table and ensure that RPS has programs, policies and curriculum in place to close the learning gaps that exist due to the pandemic. The mental health of our kids is paramount and I will collaborate with other Board members, as well as Dr. DaSilva and her admin team, with input from our parents and teachers, to ensure we are prioritizing the mental health of our kids.

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

I have first-hand experience teaching in the classroom for over 25 years. I know exactly how it feels to wear the many hats our teachers do on a daily basis. I have a deep understanding of special education and what a strong continuum of services looks like, K-12. I am also the parent of a child who has been a student in the Ridgefield Public Schools since Kindergarten. He is now a Junior at RHS. I understand, from both perspectives, the importance of the home/school partnership and how it is essential for student success.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I believe all members of our Board of Education have collaborated with our Superintendent and her team to contribute to the success of our Public Schools. I think we could strengthen the partnership with our parents in the community. I would be honored to be a part of this team.

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

Keeping politics out of education, and keep the focus on our children; Strengthening the home/school partnership that is essential to student success; Collaborating to create a fiscally responsible budget that supports all our children and teachers; Ensure that all teachers, students, and parents are heard and supported.

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

I believe my teaching experience will help me tremendously in this role on the Board of Education. I have a first-hand perspective to bring to the conversation. I have 26 years experience working with children and helping them to experience success, academically, socially and emotionally. I also believe that being the parent of a child who has been in the district through Elementary, Middle, and now in High School, I am fully invested in advocating for all kids. I have been actively engaged in BOE meetings over the past 4 years, often speaking during public comment to share my appreciation, perspective and suggestions. I hope to bring all of this, plus my passion for making a difference in the lives of children, to this role.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father, who was a surgeon, always taught us that helping others was the greatest purpose in life.

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

I am the middle child of 5 - I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Growing up, I learned to always stand up for my beliefs, as well as to respect the views of others. I am confident these attributes will help me on the Board of Education. I have dedicated my life to helping children, and I will be a strong voice for parents and children in this community.