A divided Board of Education on Monday voted 5-4 three times in electing its chair, vice chair and secretary.
Current Chair Hugo Alves was re-elected to a second year in the post.
In nominating him, Board of Ed member Erica Schwedel said he has “led our board with steadiness and dedication” over the past year, ensuring that “we all stayed focused on what is best for our students.” “He has developed strong working relationships with the administration and staff, serving as a critical bridge to the Board,” Schwedel said during the meeting, held in the Wagner Room at New Canaan High School. “He developed trust among Board members and fostered an environment of listening and collaborating.”
Alves also “dedicated significant time to representing the Board of Ed by speaking to groups such as other town bodies at countless budget meetings, our teachers at Convocation, and parents and students at graduation. In addition to serving as chair of the Board, and a member of the executive committee, Hugo also participates in meetings for all four of our Board committees. Hugo has been a committed and diligent chair, and the board would be fortunate to benefit from his continued leadership in this coming year.”
Schwedel, Alves and school board members Phil Hogan, Brendan Hayes and Penny Rashin voted in favor of the nomination during an organizational meeting run by First Selectman Dionna Carlson, herself a former multi-term Board of Ed chair. (Board of Ed members Matt Campbell, Matt Wexler, Lara Kelly and Julie Toal voted for Kelly as chair.)
Rashin said in seconding the Alves nomination that he “has reached out to all constituents this year and led the Board ably.”
Hogan was elected vice chair in the same 5-4 vote, edging out Campbell.
In nominating Hogan, Alves said he has “served the board well over the past three years in various capacities, including communications committee, and now is chair of the facilities committee.”
“He was vice chair once before, and even stepped in briefly to chair when it was required,” Alves continued. “He’s also been a part of two significant administrator hiring committees, and has a deep understanding of the work that we do. Phil has a strong relationship with the administrators, teachers, and staff. He’s a well respected father of four in the community. He’s open minded, he’s hard working, he’s balanced. And I know he’ll be an asset to the executive community and our district.”
Schwedel was elected as secretary. In nominating her, Hayes said Schwedel has “done a great job since she’s been on the Board, as well as on the executive committee.”
“She’s very communicative and thoughtful around our Board meetings, [has] questions for those presenting and in all of her interactions with those of us on the Board,” Hayes said.
Campbell was also nominated as secretary. Schwedel was elected 5-4.
Here are the remarks that Board of Ed members had in nominating those who were not elected to the executive committee:
- Campbell nominating Kelly for chair: “I’ve been impressed with Laura’s dedication in serving the BOE for the last year. She relentlessly prepares for meetings, puts in long hours and is passionate about New Canaan Public Schools. This probably isn’t a surprise to anyone, considering that she nearly received the most votes of anyone in the recent election … Moreover, she has the characteristics we need in a leader. She’s committed to transparency, not just with the community, but also within the Board. She always encourages the involvement of all Board members, not just a select few. Thus she empowers all Board members, and by extension, those that elected us. We desperately need that more than ever now. I submit that the reason so many people are here tonight is because they feel frustrated with the lack of transparency. We’ll change that with Lara. Lara is an excellent communicator. She graciously replies to the several emails we receive from parents to acknowledge their concerns, while many others just ignore them. Within our caucus, she communicates frequently with each member and keeps us current on important decisions and deadlines. As chair, she will be a conduit of information and not a gatekeeper of it. We desperately need that. She has the fortitude to act on principle and is not afraid to stand alone. In my short time as a public official, I have learned through sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men to not act on principle, but out of political or personal expedience. That is not a concern with Lara. She’s not here to gratify her pride or vain ambitions. She has the fortitude to act on principle. We desperately need that. Madam Selectman, Lara isn’t just the obvious choice. For those that care about transparency, communication, principle leadership and parent engagement, she’s the only choice.”
- Kelly nominating Campbell for vice chair: “Over the past year, his service has shown bold leadership. His reappointment to the executive committee brings needed continuity and stability, ensuring the Board can effectively uphold its mission. Matt is known for his integrity and empathy, qualities that make him a natural leader and advocate for parents in the community. Throughout his time on the board, Mr. Campbell has demonstrated not only fortitude and character, but also profound dedication to the values that make our schools exceptional. Parents in New Canaan have come to rely on his strong, dependable leadership. His steady support for rigorous academics and integrity in governance has been invaluable. I am confident that his continued representation on the executive committee will be an asset to our community and provide the guidance needed to ensure our school’s ongoing success.”
- Wexler nominating Campbell for secretary: “He is the current secretary, and if for no other reason, his questioning of our speakers and those who are presenting with insightful, yet deep questions, I think is important to keep on the executive committee.”