Donna Regan

For those who are new here, I'm Donna Regan and I have been serving on the Wallingford Board of Education since 2022. 

In my tenure on the Board of Education, I’ve learned that serving on the board is much different than I expected. I came in with big goals—introducing technology, improving test scores, and reducing bullying. But the reality is more complex.

The BoE has a defined role. We have one employee—the superintendent. Our responsibilities include managing the budget, approving curriculum, setting policy, and hiring (but not supervising) administrators. We provide oversight and governance.

Take curriculum, for example. We approve it, but we don’t write it. That’s the job of our highly qualified educators. I may not know the ins and outs of AP Biology, but I trust those who do.

I believe the budget is our most important responsibility. We analyze and review it year-round. Still, we must rely on experts. If the central office recommends reducing staff due to enrollment, I trust their data and justification—they’re the ones monitoring it daily.

Idealism is important, but experience matters more. Understanding school systems, budgets, and how to communicate effectively are key to being a strong board member. There is no room for personal agendas on the board.

Candidates promise a lot. But electing someone to the BoE on the hope of a promise they have no power to fulfill is a waste of your valuable voice. As you vote this November, choose candidates not based on party promises but who bring experience and are singularly focused on the only thing that matters: the best interests of our children.