Wallingford Candidate Profile: Raccio For Board Of Education

WALLINGFORD, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Wallingford and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Tammy Raccio, 52, is running for election to the Board of Education as a Republican. Raccio won election to the board in 2017 as a Democrat but has switched parties.

Are you running for office in Wallingford? Contact Vinnie Salzo at vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Wallingford Patch.

Family:

Married to Joe Raccio III, two sons, Joe (UCONN Freshman, Graduated Mark T Sheehan 2019) and Anthony (currently in Wallingford Public Schools).

Education:

BS in Accounting and Masters in Organizational Leadership, Quinnipiac University

Occupation:

Certified Public Accountant, Yale University

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Existing Board of Ed Member

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Being fiscally responsible in these times - As your elected BOE member I will partner with families, educators and students to ensure success while being fiscally responsible. This includes providing students with experiences that develop their love for learning and prepare them for life after graduation, whether they choose to pursue a college career directly from school or seek immediate employment. We have unique partnerships throughout our community for student experiences and program support. It will be important to continue to cultivate these opportunities for our students and families.

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

I have been a parent of the Wallingford public schools for the past 12 years and will continue to be for the next seven years. Therefore, I have an excellent understanding of many areas of excellence in our schools as well as opportunities for improvements.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Wallingford Public Schools provides unique opportunities for all students. I will continue to pursue these opportunities in a fiscally responsible way in order to prepare students for life after graduation. In addition, it is important to make sure students, staff and families feel pride in their community and supported by the Board of Education.

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

As a parent in the school system for over a decade, I have significant experience on many issues related to our public schools. My efforts include serving on the District Leadership team, Strategic Plan Committee, Food Service Committee, Parent Teacher Advisory Committee and Early Childhood Education Committee.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Always stay humble and kind.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My activities surrounding education extend beyond Wallingford including serving for the CT State Dept of Education Bureau of Special Education, and Ct Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC).

Campaign website:

tammyraccio4boe.com