Candidates say board has limited role on charters and vouchers; urge strengthening public schools

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Candidates for Middletown’s Board of Education told voters at a candidate forum Oct. 27 that decisions about charter schools and vouchers are largely controlled by state officials and courts, and that the board’s practical role is to strengthen local public schools to reduce demand for alternatives.

Asked about charter schools, vouchers and school choice, several candidates said parental choice matters but that the local board has limited authority over charter approvals. "I really don't believe I can have any effect on that, rather, right now," candidate Dean Krupa said, adding that charter approvals and related litigation are handled at the state or judicial level. Other candidates urged listening to parents who feel their children are not being served and improving district offerings to meet those needs. "Our job on the board of education… is to bolster them and support them and make sure that they are meeting the needs of all of our communities," Democratic candidate Alex Cohen said.

Positions on vouchers and charters

- Vouchers: Several candidates said they oppose vouchers; one candidate said they were "against school vouchers" because of negative fiscal impacts on the sending district. - Charters: Candidates varied, with some saying they had not formed firm positions and others arguing the district should focus on improving public schools and competing with potential charters.

Why it matters: Charter and voucher proposals can shift state funding and student enrollment; candidates framed state-level authority and recent court activity as constraints on local control, while emphasizing local remedies to retain families.

Clarifying details

- Candidates repeatedly stated that charter approvals and related oversight are controlled by the state legislature and, in some instances, litigation in the courts. - Capital Prep was mentioned by name as a charter organization currently discussed in local conversation; candidates said legislative action would determine its approval, not the local board.

Speakers (selected)

- Dean Krupa, candidate - Alex Cohen, candidate - Kim Reardon, candidate

Ending

Candidates urged voters to hold the board accountable for improving Middletown’s public schools so families have fewer reasons to consider charters or vouchers; they noted that final decisions on charters and vouchers rest with state entities.