Wallingford Election 2023: Marla Roscoe Running For Board Of Education

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

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with seats on the Town Council and Board of Education.

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

Marla Roscoe, 42, is running for re-election to the Wallingford Board of Education as a Republican.

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

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Education.

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Acupuncture License

What is your occupation?

Small business owner- Nolla Wellness, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Adjunct professor at University of New Haven

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

Happily married to Dave for 8 years, Mom of 2 boys Finley (7) & Dexter (5)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

NA

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

Currently serving first term on Board of Education.

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?

To put it simply, and it may seem contrite but, it is because I am passionate about education. A single term is not enough time to address all the issues that need addressing. As a first-time elected official, it took me well into the term to learn about policies, procedures and many of the issues that are real and present in Wallingford's educational atmosphere at all levels. As a mom of two children that are in our schools, I am vested in the quality and proficiency of the education we deliver to them, as well as for all our students. When I first ran for the Board, I very openly said that the best preparation to being on the Board was to serve one term. I believe I was correct in that regard. Although I prepared for this role, experiencing each aspect of this position has come with a learning curve- a welcomed one though. Over the past two years, I have learned so much about being an effective Board member. I will continue to fight tirelessly for the future of Wallingford’s students.

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

Educating the whole child while focusing on graduating young adults who are proficient and ready to assimilate into college, the work force and general society . During my first term I have worked to advocate for these skills, and if given the opportunity will continue that advocacy.

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

I am an educator, a business owner, a mom and a parent currently navigating my children through the Wallingford Public Schools. As such, I bring diverse experiences to this position which allows me to offer different perspectives. This naturally leads to my offering “out of the box” suggestions which challenges some aspects of the status quo, and brings a newer perspective to the work of the Board of Education.

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

One of the greatest components that came out of our townwide study was the light it shed on the other buildings that need upgrading. Addressing the high school situation properly, yet universally, will allow us to also focus on the other school buildings that are in disrepair. The longer we wait to make workable decisions, the more disrepair our middle schools and elementary schools will face. I truly believe that each child should have an adequate classroom that meets optimum safety and educational needs. That is not currently the case. A top priority for me is to continue to bring board focus to the two middle schools as well as the portable classrooms at Cook Hill Elementary School. All these structures are either nearing or have reached the end of their useful life. I will continue to advocate for a “waterfall plan” that will allow the town to more effectively plan in the long and short term for structural upgrades based on need, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

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

In this, my first term I have generally personally experienced every facet of this role, with success. With each new challenge during the term, I faced it head on, assimilated quickly and was a strong contributor to the work of the Board of Education. I am confident that if I can endure what has been called “one of the most challenging years” to be on the Board, I can face anything that this position presents me in the future.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

“You can’t please everyone, but if you stand in integrity and vote from your heart you have succeeded.”

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

Please take a minute to read more about where I stand at the above link and please get out and vote our children’s future depends on it!
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