Politics & Government

Meet Sheila Daniels, Republican Candidate for Board of Education

This former schoolteacher says successfully serving the citizens of Middletown under very tight budget constraints is the city's most central issue.

Middletown Patch's meet-the-candidates series allows voters to learn a little bit about the men and women running for public office this November. 

Sheila C. Daniels, is the incumbent Republican Middletown Board of Education member seeking re-election in November. 

Education: I have a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Central Connecticut State University. 

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Employment: I work as an educational grant assistant here in Middletown.

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Why do you want to hold public office in Middletown? Growing up in a politically involved and civic minded family and marrying into the same, I followed the example set by my parents and extended members of my family and my husband's family. I aspired to be on the Board of Education as my aunt was when I was in high school. 

My passion for education and the overall well-being of young people also contribute to my desire to serve Middletown on the Board of Education. I am the vice chair and in my eighth year on the Board of Education, I am very pleased with the positive direction the board has taken in the past two years and look forward to continuing to work with my fellow board members and collaborate with the current administration and staff in their efforts to support the students and families of Middletown. 

What experience do you bring to the table? I am the vice chair of the BOE, currently in my eighth year and bring that experience to the table. I am a former member of the communications and  naming committees and currently a member of the following committees: Executive, Policy, Curriculum and Negotiations. 

I am the BOE representative to the District Data Team, the District Climate Committee, Middletown High School, Wesley School, the Middletown School Readiness Council, Opportunity Knocks and belong to the Middlesex Coalition for Children. 

My background includes holding a bachelor's degree in education and working in the field. That work includes my current position and previously working in both private and public schools as a paraprofessional, substitute, long-term substitute, and teacher. 

I was also a child care provider and offered field trips to our family farm. I belonged and served as an officer on PTA/PTO organizations and the MSA throughout my daughters' educational journeys. 

Prior to and while serving on the board, I have worked with four superintendents and their assistants, several mayors, other politicians, many teachers, school staff members, students and their families, as well as people in the community.

What do you think the town's most pressing issue is? Middletown's most pressing issue is one that challenges nearly every city and town in the state — being able to serve the citizens under very tight budget constraints. We must consider the entire city from the educational needs of our youth to the needs of the elderly and everyone in between.

What do you love most about Middletown? Its central location and diversity in landscape and population. 

What do you like to do for fun? I enjoy spending time with family and friends, antiquing, reading, and traveling.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here