Party Affiliation: Democrat

Professional Experience
Cara has worked as a teacher for more than 20 years in the Waterbury and Hartford Public School systems. She has extensive experience mentoring new teachers as a cooperating teacher for several state universities and in TEAM, developed and written interdisciplinary arts curriculum, and in 2023, Cara was recognized as Teacher of the Year at Duggan Elementary.

Education
Cara holds degrees in Art Education, Holistic Thinking, and Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Computer Science Instruction. She also holds national credentials as a Google Certified Educator and an ISTE Certified Educator.

Community Involvement
At her school, Cara leads the philanthropy team, organizing student fundraising for organizations such as Connecticut Children’s Hospital, the Saint Mary’s Foundation for Breast Cancer, and the United Way of Greater Waterbury.

Personal Background
Cara is a lifelong resident of Thomaston and a graduate of Thomaston High School. She has two children, currently in 8th and 3rd grade. She is a second-generation educator, following her mother into the teaching profession.

Quote from the Candidate:

“As a Thomaston parent and BOE candidate, I am committed to ensuring every child receives an education that is equitable, innovative, and prepares them to succeed. I will focus on retaining highly qualified teachers by ensuring they have the growth and support they need. Our district needs strong leadership at the superintendent level that prioritizes student retention, staff well-being, and trust with families and educators. I will also work to ensure the budget reflects community values by prioritizing student success, fair pay, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars, always keeping students at the center as we review the facilities study and plan for the future.” — Cara Lascko-Files

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