Tara Donohue Willerup

Board of Education

Current Office: Board of Education

Why I serve? I am very pleased to have the opportunity to seek election as a member of this vital Simsbury Board.  My service on the board and working with the entire school community has provided a special opportunity to share my experiences of being a lifelong resident, a K-12 Simsbury student, and a mother of three K-12 Simsbury school graduates. My status as a past Chairman of the Board provides further insight.  Having the ability to provide historic perspective and lessons of experience has proven especially helpful in handling issues of the moment. When any citizen calls me with school questions or issues, I find purpose in being a bridge between our schools and our families.  

My parents moved to Simsbury in 1950 and established a family culture of participation in politics and government and of loving Simsbury and embracing every possible opportunity to be a part of this town.  

Past or present Boards/Commissions/Volunteer work: Since moving back to Simsbury after college, I have served in town government and dozens of town organizations, continuing my family’s legacy of service. Some volunteer positions are Zoning Commission, St Mary’s Church, Simsbury Democratic Town Committee, Girl Scouts, Simsbury PTO’s, Simsbury Celebrates, and MLK in CT Memorial. 

Employment: Director of The Simsbury Free Library

Education: Simsbury High School 1983, BA, St Lawrence University 1987

Why I love Simsbury: Why Simsbury is worth it: Simsbury provides an extraordinary quality of life for all citizens and families. The land mass, infrastructure, recreation and entertainment facilities, private schools, river, hiking trails, and bike paths, are superb and well used.  But the crown jewel is our public education system. It has been a leader of its peer organizations for decades! 

Please consider voting for me.  Thank you for your continued support.

Fun Fact: When Bill Clinton campaigned for President in CT I drove the “pool 1” van filled with reporters and secret service members.