Patch Candidate Profile: Gloria Manna, Trumbull Board Of Education

TRUMBULL, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Trumbull and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Trumbull Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Republican Gloria Manna, 51, is a Trumbull resident running for the Board of Education.

Education

I have been an Urban School Special and Regular Education Teacher, Elementary Assistant Principal, and Principal for 29 years. I have been a CT State Focus School Principal, a Lone Pine Award Finalist and a School of Distinction. I am a strong advocate for teachers and was an Executive Board member for the Teacher Union. I am also the Chairperson for my Administrator Bargaining Committee. I volunteer as Catechist at St. Theresa’s Church, have coached soccer for AYSO, and participate in various community events. I have a B.M., M.S. St. John’s University, Cum Laude; Sixth Year UCONN;

What is your occupation?

Elementary School Principal.

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

I have been married to Anthony Scaturchio for 24 years. We have two children, ages 13 and 17. Anthony was born in Argentina and I am first generation American. Together, we have 21 nieces and nephews.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am the first member of our family to get into politics.

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

No.

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 love Public Education and want it to thrive. We chose Trumbull because the Public Schools had always been committed to student success and were known for their positive climate and respect for families. Several personal experiences led me to believe that the skills I developed in serving a diverse community can help Trumbull Public Schools continue to meet the needs of all students and families while building a positive school climate. I also have extensive knowledge of special education and the Science of Reading, and I believe I can be a strong voice for disabled students.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is education, and everyone has a different reason for their concern. Trumbull Public Schools has become more diverse, and I intend to advocate for strategies that will meet the needs of all students and all families, unite and inspire our community, and create joyful children who graduate ready to show the world who they are and how wonderful they can be.

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

I am the only candidate with experience turning around failing schools, creating a positive school climate, evaluating and being evaluated as an educator in CT, extensive training in the Science of Reading, leading a school with high rates of poverty and learning challenges, and bringing students and families from diverse backgrounds together in a unified community. I love serving my school community and would love to share my knowledge and ideas with the Trumbull Public Schools.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The concerns brought by constituents over the last two years just never get addressed. There are ways to bring people together if one is willing to collaborate even when there is disagreement.

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

I will advocate for the Facilities Improvements to make wonderful but as fiscally responsible as possible. I would like to see more work done in treating dyslexia and accommodating students with special needs.

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

I am a hard worker and a team player who is passionate about kids loving their school. I didn't have the best experience in public schools growing up, and my whole career has been about making sure my students' experience is better than mine. I think my resume speaks for itself.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Feedback is an opportunity for you to succeed.

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

We chose to live in Trumbull because of the families who live here. We are a proud working-class family who believes in God, loves America, and loves the town of Trumbull. We just want our kids to get a decent education, be treated with dignity, and find joy in their lives. If you do too, vote for me.