My Platform

Thank you for being an informed, responsible voter!  Here is some information about my platform as reported in the October 13, 2025 article by The Patch.  You will also find some questions that were asked of me during the 2025 Candidate Form.

I always prefer to speak to constituents directly about the issues of Wallingford.  So be sure to reach out to me so that we can chat over the phone or in person.

Why Board of Ed?

As the daughter of a third-grade teacher, education has always meant a lot to me. I believe the strength of a community is reflected in its schools — and here in Wallingford, we have so much to be proud of. Our public education system is a big part of why families choose to build their lives here, just like I did.

How do your "politics" play a part of your decision making?

As a Board of Education member, I make decisions on policy and curriculum based on what’s best for our students and families — not politics.

What is the single most pressing issue facing our school district?

An issue that I believe is affecting our district, but doesn't get enough attention, is chronic absenteeism. We define this as missing more than 10% of the scheduled school days.  So for a 180 day school year, we are talking about a student who has missed more than 18 days of school.  

Now the good news is that number one, our district’s chronic absenteeism rate has improved since COVID.  In 2021-2022 our chronic absenteeism rate was over 20% and last academic year (2024-2025) we were down to 12.5%.  Number two, our rate is lower than the state of Connecticut’s chronic absenteeism rate which is 17.2%.  Here is the not so great news, our ideal target rate is less than 5% which means that we have more work to do. 

To effectively address chronic absenteeism, we first need to understand why students are missing school. Early intervention is key, and just as important is making school a place where students feel safe and supported.

As a Board member, I’m not in the classroom every day — but I recognize that our educators and school administrators are our greatest asset in tackling this issue. That’s why my role is to ensure we’re hiring administrators who prioritize student engagement and attendance, and that we’re supporting them with policies and budgets that give them the tools to succeed.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates?

I have worked in higher education since 2003, which gives me a unique perspective on what true student success looks like beyond high school. Understanding what students need to succeed after graduation has shaped the way I make decisions for our district.

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

Like most districts, our population of special education students keeps increasing every year. Meeting the needs of our special education students is not optional — it’s both a legal requirement and a moral obligation. As the number of students with IEPs and 504 plans increases, we need to ensure that their services are protected, even in tight budget years.

That starts with smart budgeting. We need to prioritize staffing — like special education teachers and paraprofessionals — and make sure they have the training and support to implement individualized learning plans effectively.

How do you plan to get consensus from the various community sectors about the two v. one high school issue?

I think it is important to recognize that building consensus isn’t about getting everyone to agree—it’s about ensuring everyone feels respected, informed, and genuinely involved in the process.  And this process has been long, complicated, and not without challenges.  

In the last 4 years of my tenure on the Board, my approach was to be collaborative, transparent and inclusive using a structured plan: engaging stakeholders through community forums and focus groups, sharing clear, transparent information, and using feedback from all stakeholders to shape the final educational specs.

Transparency and accountability are essential for public trust in the Board of Education. I believe that starts with clear communication — making sure our decisions, the reasons behind them, and the impacts they may have are shared openly with the community.

Now we still have a long way to go in this process and I plan to continue building this consensus every step of the way.

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

Serving on the Board of Education isn’t easy — it requires long hours, personal sacrifice, and the ability to make tough decisions. I have a proven track record of stepping up to do the hard work, even when the hours are late and the energy is low.

I’ve consistently volunteered for events, committees, and boards — often when no one else was willing to raise their hand. I bring the resolve and commitment to make decisions that serve the best interests of our town’s families, even when it requires personal sacrifice. Because for me, this work is about service — not convenience.

Given the rising incidents of school violence in our Country, do you feel that Wallingford’s plan to limit and respond to violence within our schools is adequate?  Explain your response.  If not, what would you change?

School safety has to be a top priority — students can’t learn if they don’t feel safe. I believe our district has taken important steps to limit and respond to violence, including secure building protocols, regular safety drills, and strong relationships with local law enforcement and school resource officers.

That said, safety planning is never “one and done.” We need to constantly review and improve our protocols, especially as new challenges emerge. That includes not just physical safety, but also addressing the root causes of violence — like bullying, mental health struggles, and social isolation.

If anything needs more attention, it’s prevention. I’d like to see continued investment in mental health services, conflict resolution programs, and training for staff on how to recognize early warning signs. Keeping our schools safe means staying proactive, not just reactive.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father was a CEO, and he always taught me that in any organization, no one is more important than anyone else. Everyone brings value — the only difference is our job descriptions. That perspective has stayed with me and shaped how I lead and collaborate with others.

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

When I moved to Wallingford in 2001 as a single mom, I was looking for a fresh start. Wallingford gave me that second chance — a place with opportunity, support, and community. Over the past 24 years, this town has truly become my home, and I’ve been proud to give back in every way I can.

I thank you for taking the time to read this and look forward to serving you as a Board of Education member.  If you are interested in hearing about ways that you can support me or if you have any questions, please contact me at JenPassaretti4BOE@gmail.com or (203) 679-1882.  Let your voice be heard and be sure to vote this November!

Jen Passaretti

Wallingford, CT