Wallingford Election 2023: Melanie Rossacci Running For Board Of Ed

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.

Melanie Rossacci, 47, is running for election to the Wallingford Board of Education as a Democrat.

Education.

B.A in Social Work from St. Joseph University. Masters in Social Work with a specialization in social work and law from Fordham University.

What is your occupation?

Executive Director (22+ years experience in child welfare; children’s behavioral health and juvenile justice.)

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

Married for 22 years to my husband Stephen. We have three children: Tyler, Sydney and Brady.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

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?

My inspiration for running for the Board of Education stemmed from my desire for increased transparency and process improvements related to current practices. Additionally, I care deeply about children's mental health issues and would like to strengthen community partnerships to help support the increased mental health needs of our students post-pandemic. I am most passionate about children's mental health and how it impacts a student's ability to learn. I also care deeply about ensuring that the family’s social determinant needs are also met; for example working life conditions, food insecurity, inadequate housing, and basic needs. I believe we must take into account the whole family system and what issues they may be struggling with, because family struggles will effect a child’s success in school.

Finally, I am committed to pushing forward a plan for our schools that is best for ALL students. Every school in Wallingford needs improvements. Our school buildings have been neglected for far too long. Now is the time to act. We must include the community in decision making and we must allow parents and students to ask questions.

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

Whether or not to support high school consolidation in Wallingford. I intend to continue to advocate to preserve the current two high school model in Wallingford and to work to get dollars approved to renovate both high schools to new. It's what Wallingford students deserve.

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

My experience in the children’s mental health and juvenile justice fields. I would like to advocate for a mental wellness subcommittee for the Board of Education.

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

To increase Transparency related to BOE meetings and to advocate for public Q & A sessions for the public.

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

I am currently the Executive Director of Clifford Beers Community Care Center in New Haven. This experience has allowed me to see how valuable the partnerships are between community mental health organizations and schools are. I will be able to apply this experience to make improvements in Wallingford.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Treat others how THEY want to be treated.