How Does Woodbridge Actually Work? Let’s Talk About Who Sets The Vision For Our Schools
A Voter Education Series from the Woodbridge Democratic Town Committee
Part 1: The Boards of Education
If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve heard of Beecher Road School or the Amity Regional School District. But who actually oversees them? And how do local elections impact the education your children receive?
At the Woodbridge Democratic Town Committee, we believe understanding how your town works is the first step to making it stronger. In this second installment of our voter education series, we’re diving into the two school boards that directly shape education in Woodbridge: the Amity Regional Board of Education and the Woodbridge Board of Education.
The Amity Regional Board of Education
Overseeing Amity Middle and High Schools
Once Woodbridge students reach 7th grade, they transition to schools in the Amity Regional School District #5, which serves Bethany, Orange, and Woodbridge. The Amity Regional Board of Education governs the entire district.
This board ensures that students in all three towns have access to high-quality public education through Amity Middle Schools (in Orange and Bethany) and Amity Regional High School (in Woodbridge).
What Does the Amity Board Do?
Regional school boards are established under Connecticut law (CGS §10-186), which tasks them with:
Ensuring school accommodations for all eligible students in the region.
Overseeing the curriculum, school policies, and fiscal management.
Appointing the Superintendent, who manages daily operations and staff.
Working to reduce racial and economic isolation through regional partnerships.
Amity has a reputation for academic excellence, thanks in large part to this board’s oversight, planning, and commitment to the district’s success.
Who Serves on the Amity Board of Education?
The Amity Board has 13 members, divided based on student population:
Orange: 7 seats
Woodbridge: 4 seats
Bethany: 2 seats
Woodbridge members serve four-year staggered terms, with elections held during our regular municipal cycle. These representatives bring Woodbridge’s perspective to decisions affecting all students in the region.
The Woodbridge Board of Education
Overseeing Beecher Road School (PK–6)
Before Amity, there’s Beecher.
Woodbridge operates its own elementary school district, consisting of just one school: the award-winning Beecher Road School, which serves Pre-K through Grade 6. The Woodbridge Board of Education is solely responsible for its governance.
What Does the Woodbridge of Education Do?
This local board:
Sets the vision, policies, and budget for Beecher Road School.
Appoints and evaluates the Superintendent, who runs daily operations.
Ensures every Woodbridge child has access to an exceptional early education.
Promotes equity, academic excellence, and student well-being.
While the board does not manage the school day-to-day, it provides strategic leadership and accountability, making sure Beecher continues to reflect the values and priorities of the town.
Why Beecher Road School Matters
Beecher Road School isn’t just our only school—it’s one of Woodbridge’s greatest assets.
It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes Spanish from Kindergarten, art, music, and physical education.
It hosts an Extended Day Program with diverse after-school enrichment options.
The school is a regional leader in diversity and inclusion, participating in programs like Project Open Choice and urban-suburban exchanges.
Teachers collaborate daily in Professional Learning Communities, ensuring instruction is thoughtful, innovative, and aligned.
The Woodbridge Board of Education ensures that Beecher remains a place of learning without equal, year after year.
Woodbridge Democratic Town Committee Endorsements for 2025
As part of our commitment to good governance, the Woodbridge Democratic Town Committee endorses candidates who believe in fiscal responsibility, fairness, academic excellence, and community collaboration.
We are proud to endorse the following candidates for the upcoming election:
For Amity Regional Board of Education:
For Woodbridge Board of Education:
These candidates bring deep experience, strong values, and a commitment to public education that reflects the very best of Woodbridge.
“We’re excited to support candidates who believe that great schools are built through thoughtful leadership and community partnership. Carol, Donna, Mike, Saurabh, and Meghan all understand what it takes to keep Woodbridge and Amity schools strong, inclusive, and forward-thinking.”
Ellen Scalettar, Chair, Woodbridge Democratic Town Committee
