Stratford Election 2023: Celeste Burnett Running For Board Of Ed

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

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for 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.

Celeste Burnett, 53, is running for election to the Stratford Board of Education as a Democrat.

Education.

Stratford high school Graduate, Parent leadership training institute graduate

What is your occupation?

Retired US postal service letter carrier, 15 yrs

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

Yes, I do have a family. I have a wonderful, supportive husband, along with four beautiful, loving, caring, considerate, hard-working children. I am also a foster mother to two just as beautiful, loving, respectful, considerate teenage boys.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes, I have a cousin who is a judge

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

No, I have not.

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 running for office to be a voice for those who feel they do not have a voice. I want to ensure that no child is left behind. This is the perfect opportunity for me to contribute to and help to improve our community.

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

The most pressing issue facing my constituents is meeting children where they are. I'd like to see more attention put into understanding children who may act out or exhibit poor behavior. Let's find the root cause and assist from there. Mental health has become a rising movement that we as a community must cultivate harder than ever. I intend to work diligently with the superintendent of schools and my elected board of education members. To find additional state resources and or private funding resources.

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

I am a mother who has experienced firsthand children with special needs (psychological, behavioral, iep's, etc..). I have several friends who have autistic children, and I understand the need to be heard, and supported, to be dealt with patience, and to truly meet each person where they are without judgments or prejudices. I will work hard to make sure that each family has a voice, and I will represent them and their concerns.

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

I intend to address the needs and concerns surrounding each school district. Once elected, I would like to meet monthly along with the elected board of education officials who would attend to hear and address the concerns of each school district.

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

I have raised my children to understand the importance of higher education and believe in themselves that they can accomplish whatever their hearts desire. My son received Presidential Awards from Johson Academy and Wooster Jr. High, only to go on and get his bachelor's of arts from UCONN and his master of business from Fairfield University. Having gone through this experience with my own children, I know the importance of education and what it means for a child in Stratford.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Treat people the way that you would like to be treated.

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

I, along with my children, have all attended Stratford School System. I love Stratford, I love the diversity, and I believe we must put our children first.

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he IS someone today."

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.