Wallingford Election 2023: Sandy Storck 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.

Sandy Storck is running for election to the Wallingford Board of Education as a Democrat.

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

https://www.facebook.com/profi...

Education.

BA in Abnormal Psychology, BS Education, MA Industrial and Organizational Psychology with a focus on HR and Conflict Management

What is your occupation?

I have worked at Yale for their nursing school for 15 years as a clinical site coordinator managing student compliance and contract negotiation. I was also an 8th grade Math and Science teacher for 3 years after graduating from Keene State with my education degree.

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

I live with my Husband of 14 years along with our 2 daughters, ages 9 and 12 who attend Mary G Fritz and Moran Middle, respectively.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

We do not.

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

Not public office but I was the President of our condo association for 12 years until we moved within town last Fall.

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 committed to serving on the Board of Education to support kids, teachers and families. My platform advocates for improved and sustainable mental health resources, equitable access, and innovative teaching methods. I aim to ensure every student receives a quality education, empowering them for a brighter future.

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

The matter of merging 2 Wallingford high Schools into 1. I plan to actively listen to residents about their concerns on this issue and all others. I would also welcome and be in support of a referendum should that occur. Referendums are an essential part of democracy in municipal government.

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

I have experience in Education as a teacher and also as professional in Higher Ed. I have a diverse background with my education in conflict management and HR that makes me a great fit for the collaboration needed to be a part of the BOE.

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

As I approach November's elections, I am thrilled to stand as a candidate who embodies dedication and vision for our children's education. I am deeply honored to have received the endorsement of the Democratic Town Committee (DTC), recognizing the wealth of experience, passion, and commitment I bring to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and equitable education system for all students.

As a mom, a teacher by training, a diversity and equity advocate, and a proud member of the Wallingford community, I believe I bring a unique and powerful combination of experiences to the table. My decision to explore a run for the Board of Education was ignited by a strong passion for education and a desire to address the issues I witnessed during BOE and Town Council meetings.

My background as a K-12 teacher has given me an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by both educators and students in our district. My years of teaching 8th-grade Science and Math have provided me with firsthand knowledge of classroom dynamics and the crucial importance of providing a supportive and nurturing environment for our children to thrive.

However, my dedication to education extends far beyond the K-12 level. Over the past 14 years, I have immersed myself in higher education, earning a Master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology with a specialization in Human Resources and Conflict Management from the esteemed University of New Haven. This expertise has equipped me with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and conflict resolution—valuable skills that I believe can be applied to the challenges faced by our school system.

Currently, I serve as a compliance and contracts coordinator at Yale University's Nursing School, where my commitment to excellence and attention to detail are evident. I carry this same dedication to my community, having been a Wallingford resident since 2009, along with my husband, Ed, who is also a member of the DTC. Our children attend Moran and Mary G Fritz, giving me a personal stake in the quality of education provided by our schools.

One of my core principles is ensuring that all children, teachers, and administrators receive the support they need and deserve from the town. As a diversity and equity advocate, I firmly believe in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment, where every student feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.

My vision for the Board of Education revolves around collaboration, transparency, and open communication. I understand the importance of engaging with parents, educators, and community members to identify and address the pressing issues facing our schools. By working together, we can develop innovative solutions that empower our children and set them on the path to success.

As I embark on my campaign journey, I am reaching out to the residents of Wallingford, calling on them to join me in my mission to strengthen our education system. With my unique combination of experiences and genuine commitment to the betterment of our community, I believe I am undoubtedly the ideal candidate to represent our children's future.

With me on the team, I believe we can create a brighter and more promising tomorrow for all our children, teachers, and administrators. Together, we can build a community where education is at the forefront of progress and where every child's potential is unlocked and celebrated.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To listen and actually hear people and to be honest and transparent.