Morton Resigns To Answer National Guard’s Call

Walter L. Morton IV, a rising millennial star in Hamden’s civic life, is resigning from the Board of Education to deploy overseas with the National Guard.

Morton, who grew up in the town, chairs the board’s Personnel and Finance Committee. He plays a leading role in the Urban League of Southern Connecticut Young Professionals (ULSCYP) and served as the town’s director of legislative affairs. He was also active in Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign.

Following is the text of a public letter Morton released Tuesday.

I write this letter to you today to inform you that I will not be seeking reelection to the Board of Education (BOE), and will be resigning effective Monday May 31th. I was informed this past week by my U.S. Army unit that I will be deploying overseas at the end of the month to Africa.

Working together has been the honor of a lifetime, and choosing to resign was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, as I have been so invested in the Board’s work the past 5 years. Growing up in Hamden, it has always been a goal of mine to hold elected office in the town I call home, and to be the change I wished to see in our community. After first being appointed to the BOE back in 2016 by the DTC, I was humbled to receive the support of Hamden residents the following year, earning the opportunity to serve the BOE for a 4 Year term. I will forever be grateful for their trust and support, and for allowing me the space and time to grow into the person and Board member that I am today.

During my time, I worked with my colleagues on a range of issues from budgets, to redistricting, equity efforts, union negotiating, and special education funding to name a few. I can say unequivocally that our Board members are dedicated, hard-working, and work tirelessly to ensure our students – and future leaders – have a bright future. I have been proud to be a part of this district’s work over the years, and regret the fact I will be unable to continue in my capacity. However, aside from physically taking me away from Hamden, my deployment will require all of my time, focus, and efforts and I therefore will be unable to devote the necessary attention that this position demands. I do not wish to take up a space on the Board from a member of the community who can devote the time and effort to do the job, and do the job well. While I’m sad to go, I’m confident that the Board will continue to do incredible work on behalf of our students and families. 

I’m incredibly grateful for all of the friendships I’ve made these past 5 years, whether it was parents, teachers, students, and of course, my fellow board members. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you all over the years, and I look forward to continuing those relationships going forward. Thank you all again for your support and love over the years. I hope to see many of you before I depart late this week, and I look forward to continuing to remain actively engaged in our community when I return from deployment.

In Solidarity,
Walter L. Morton