Stratford Election 2021: Matthew Schlager Running For Board Of Ed

STRATFORD, CT — The 2021 municipal election is heating up in Stratford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 2 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with seats on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning and more.

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

Matthew Schlager, 48, is running for election to the Stratford Board of Education as a Democrat.

Occupation: Paralegal

Family:Wife Marcie and two daughters, Bethany & Briana

Experience: District One Representative and Stratford Democratic Town Committee

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

We need to invest money and effort into improving our special education services. We are all parents of children who need Special Education support. Students are expected to receive the proper services in a timely manner. In addition, we need to retain our teachers so that there is continuity year to year.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

The democratic slate features three parents of eight children ranging from elementary school to high school. We are all involved in our children's education and want to improve our schools for all children. We are also looking to provide teachers a voice and make sure their needs are met with each budget the board passes.

Accomplishments:

I am a proud graduate of Parent SEE, Cohort 7. I was lucky to participate in that program. I am also an active member of the Stratford Democratic Town Committee for 3.5yrs.

Most importantly, I am a parent of two school age girls. I see the daily struggles both they and our teachers have, and want to improve that.

Other issues:

Ensuring equity across the district. We must guarantee that all students are treated equitably, and that, no matter the population of a school, every family has access to the same opportunity.
Invest in teachers and their classroom. We will ensure classrooms are getting the resources they need for all students to succeed, as such materials, training, support staff, and smaller class sizes.

Revamping current meeting protocols. Parents and members of the public need to be heard and be able to address members of the BOE. We will increase transparency and communications.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am excited about the opportunity to serve.

I am a firm believer that a child's best advocate is the parent. That is the role I want to have as a BOE member. I want a seat at the table so I can fight for all of our students.

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