Michelle Embree Ku

Education

  • Brown University, PhD in Biology
  • Cornell University, BS in Animal Sciences

Michelle has lived in Newtown with her family for 14 years. She and her husband Warren have three boys who attend(ed) Newtown public schools.

As a member of the Board of Selectmen Michelle will work with the First Selectman and one other elected Selectman to review present needs and plan for the future of the Town. Along with Dan Cruson, who is also a Democratic Selectman, she sees these areas as priorities: Streets and sidewalks – Newtown has more than 63 square miles of roads. Ensuring that streets are well maintained and accessible is important and requires adequate funding for maintenance as well as community planning, communication with state officials, and working with local law enforcement. Schools – Michelle believes that our schools are a valuable part of Newtown’s identity. In addition to affecting property values, the Newtown Public School District is the largest employer in Newtown. Thousands of Newtown students spend the majority of their childhoods in school buildings. Michelle supports updating air quality in school buildings for the health and well-being of employees and students. Security – It is important that residents of Newtown feel safe in their own community, whether it is because of low crime, acceptance of diverse views, cultures and people, or the financial security to remain in one’s home. Smart Development – Through thoughtful development practices, we can grow our tax-base while maintaining open space. This means encouraging growth in areas where infrastructure will support it while preserving the forests, fields and waterways that give Newtown its rural character.

Experience

Michelle has volunteered in schools, for non-profits, with statewide organizations, for state government, and in Newtown government since moving to Newtown fourteen years ago. She brings a combination of team leadership and legislative skills to the role. Her experience as a chairperson on boards and commissions, as well as her determination to get things done for the residents of Newtown have prepared her to serve Newtown as a Selectperson.

  • Newtown Legislative Council (since 2021)
  • Bethel Workspace Advisory Committee (since 2021)
  • Newtown Board of Education (2013-2021, Chair 2017-2021)
  • Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, Board of Directors (2013-2021)
  • EdAdvance Regional Education Service Center, Board of Directors (2013-2020, President 2020, Vice President 2018-19)
  • Representative to CSDE/RESC Alliance Regional Advisory Team to examine return to school during COVID (2020)
  • Co-Chair of the State of Connecticut General Assembly’s Task Force to Study Life Threatening Food Allergies in Schools (2016)
  • Member of Newtown Charter Revision Commission (2012)
  • Newtown Volunteer Task Force
  • United Way (2012-2013)
  • Middle Gate PTA – Library Volunteer Coordinator (2010-2015)

Letters & Endorsements