Public Education Shapes Strong Communities

By Lauren Gray, Orange Board of Education Candidate

I’m Lauren Gray, and I’m proud to be running for the Orange Board of Education. I believe in the power of public education to shape strong communities and bright futures.

My son starts kindergarten at Mary L. Tracy this fall, and I’m excited for all three of our kids to grow up in the Orange school system. Like many families, we chose Orange for the schools. I want to help ensure they remain a source of pride and excellence for years to come.

But even if you don’t have children in our schools, strong public education still matters. The quality of our schools impacts everyone, especially when it comes to property values, attracting new families, and maintaining a vibrant, connected town. 

I’m a mom, a longtime volunteer, and a communications professional. In every role I’ve held, I’ve seen how important it is to listen, collaborate, and stay informed. That’s the approach I’ll bring to the Board of Education.

If elected, I’ll focus on maintaining our high standards and supporting the incredible educators who make a difference every day. I’ll also advocate for and ensure more open communication with families and greater transparency about how decisions are made.

Finally, I’m committed to keeping national politics out of our local classrooms. Our children's education should be grounded in academic excellence, critical thinking, and community values.

I’m running because I care deeply about our children, our schools, and the future of Orange. When our schools thrive, our whole community thrives.

I’d love to hear your ideas and priorities. Please visit OrangeCTDems.org to connect and learn more. Don't forget early voting starts October 20! Save the date!

Sincerely,

Lauren Gray

This letter to the editor originally appeared in the Milford-Orange Times, August 7, page 4.