Board of Education incumbent Julie Toal, a Republican, is seeking re-election. The GOP holds a 6-3 majority on the nine-member school board. Five seats are up for election: three currently held by Republicans, two by Democrats. There are three Republicans and three Democrats running for Board of Ed, as well as one write-in candidate who is unaffiliated.
Here’s our exchange with Toal.
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New Canaanite: Please give us some background on you, including your history in New Canaan and your involvement with community organizations and/or local government/New Canaan Public Schools.
Julie Toal: I have been fortunate to call New Canaan home for the past 10 years. Most recently, I was appointed as the New Canaan Board of Education representative for Cooperative Educational Services, which provides a wide range of support services to school districts across Fairfield County. I am also a founding member of New Canaan Unplugged, an initiative that helps families navigate smartphone and social media use.
Over the years, I have been actively involved in our community. I’ve coached youth softball since 2023. I served as president of the New Canaan Newcomers Club in 2020 and as classroom coordinator for West School from 2021–2025.
On the Board of Education, I have contributed to several committees, including Facilities, Governance, and Communications — the last of which I chaired from 2021–2022. I also served on the search committees for our Head of Global Languages and for the Assistant Principal position at South School.
What are your thoughts about the way curriculum is developed for New Canaan Public Schools and what changes, if any, would you make to the process?
I believe curriculum should be shaped collaboratively, with meaningful input from teachers, administrators, and the community. Its foundation must be excellence in core academics — literacy, math, science, and history. Transparency is critical, and I am committed to ensuring that families are fully informed and engaged whenever changes are considered, so our students benefit from both high standards and a supportive community.
To what extent, if at all, will your party’s national agenda affect your decision-making at the local level?
While I hold conservative values such as fiscal responsibility, accountability and respect for parental rights, my decisions on the BOE will always be based on what is best for New Canaan students and taxpayers. National politics should not drive local education policy. My focus has, and will always be, the needs of our community and the quality of our schools.
What are your thoughts on the proposed North School? In your view, what are the upsides to that project? What are the red flags, if any?
The administration has brought forth the North School plan. We have the number one school system in the state for a reason, and we are always willing to listen thoughtfully to proposals for improving our schools. That said, we need to closely monitor enrollment numbers and maintain a disciplined focus on the budget so that we can take timely action if the data indicates it’s necessary.
Potential upsides of this project is it would allow us to return 5th grade to the elementary schools and make more effective use of our spaces for modern-day learning. At the same time, we must recognize the red flags. This would be an expensive undertaking, and it is critical that we weigh the costs carefully and consider common-sense alternatives before moving forward. The approval process would also need to move through several town bodies, which provides a natural system of checks and balances to ensure thoughtful review.
What is your single most proud accomplishment on the Board of Education?
I am most proud of my efforts to implement holistic strategies that strengthen the mental health of our students. One example is bringing the Let Grow program to NCPS. I first presented this initiative two years ago, and it is now beginning implementation in our elementary schools. The program focuses on helping children build independence and resilience at a time when opportunities for unstructured play and independent decision-making are shrinking. These experiences are critical for developing confidence, problem-solving skills, and emotional strength — all of which support better mental health.
I also helped launch Phone-Free Saxe, an initiative supported by clear data showing the connection between heavy phone use, social media, and rising rates of anxiety and depression. Through my work co-founding New Canaan Unplugged, I was able to bring this change to NCPS.
And on the academic side, I’m proud that under our tenure New Canaan has maintained its ranking as the #1 school system in Connecticut. Our students’ test scores not only rebounded after the pandemic, but they improved more quickly and rose higher than those in surrounding towns. This is a testament to our teachers, administrators, families, and students — and to the disciplined, student-first approach of our BOE.
Next on my holistic mental health agenda: more recess. Getting kids outside, running, and playing not only bolsters their mental well-being, but studies show it also leads to stronger academic performance and better classroom behavior. It’s a win-win for students, teachers, and families alike.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Every August my extended family gathers in Maine for our annual camping trip. This year marked our 38th summer together in rustic cabins — no electricity, no running water. The simplicity is part of the magic. Unstructured play, no screens, and time in nature aren’t just good for kids — they’re good for the whole family.
Julie thank you for serving
Before I can endorse you I want to
But I need to
Know why you could not be at the
4-24-25 presentation that was given to
The facility committee meeting which you are part
And if you were given the documents of
The presentation afterwards
You also mentioned that you were
Classroom coordinator at West from
2021-25 4 yrs
Being coordinator I think you would have some insight to how many classroom
They have and how many are used
PS I advocate for the 5th grade to go back
In 2015
So did Robert Hamill current bof member before me
I have seen the issue of classrooms being used or not used raised in this publication previously and will look forward to your reply, Julie.
Also, as a retired developmental and school psychologist, I will say that strong test scores are nothing to sneeze at but more recess is vital. An examination of whether it is “real and good recess” (do the kids actually get to do things or are they proctored out of real risk-taking and physical/social challenges?) or not would be as valuable as academic curricula.
This community has members with experience in successfully achieving the goals you outline. Please tap these free resources. Not every community member with useful knowledge is a current parent.
Julie, sitting on the BOE is not only an enormous responsibility to our kids and community but it also requires full commitment of your time and presence. Voters would like to know why you missed or arrived late to BOE meetings on the following dates:
-9/15/25
-9/2/25
-6/2/25
-5/19/25
-4/21/25
-11/18/2024
-10/21/24
-10/7/25
-3/4/24
Thanks,
Jen Potter
In 2023, in my capacity as Vice Chair of the Republican Town Committee, I had attendance research done on the BOE as we noticed Democrat Brendan Hayes, who was running for reelection at the time, was late or absent to 1/3 of the 36 BOE meetings from 2022-23 (regular and committee). As a political operative, I thought this was a brilliant line of attack. However, when I sent it to my candidates for approval, one of them wrote back: “I do think this attack feels cheap given that he commutes. Feels like something the Dems would do.” It seems like he was right on both counts (We decided not to run that argument).
As a political operative, it’s very exciting when you’re scrolling through endless BOE transcripts and find your “gotcha” datapoint, like seeing when the Secretary records Julie sitting down at 7:12pm instead of 7:00pm on 6/2/25. That night she coached at a youth softball game at Waveny (7-7 tie), stayed to make sure all the kids left safely, then attended the almost 2 hour BOE meeting. That’s incredible dedication to children and the community. When we recruit candidates, we look for people who are highly active in the community, have the time to excel at the role they campaign for, and are available/accessible to their constituents. Julie’s energy and community involvement is second to none, I’ve seen it first hand. I’m Chairman of our party’s BOE Campaign Committee, so I’m obviously biased, but it’s also put me in a position to be present at the many meetings and events Julie hosts and attends, and her energy and attendance has been boundless.
When the candidates you are pulling for are new and have no accomplishments, you can try to play gotcha with someone showing up a few minutes late to a meeting (we have 82 meetings of data by BOE member and there definitely is an absence-prone outlier, hint: it’s not a Republican). Julie is a 4 year incumbent, and her accomplishments, and the accomplishments of our BOE, have been phenomenal.
Jen: Have you ever been a bit tardy to a meeting , work or missed a train? Julie’s record on the ISSUES and SERViCE to our community is quite impressive .
I gather Julie is a good mom rightly insuring her children and family are ok and then attending to her community service. Let us discuss the issues and not a few minutes before the beginning of a meeting.
Thank you
Jen, Thank you for raising this.
I missed three of the nine meetings you listed. (Since Jan 1, 2024 there have been 43 meetings). I had family obligations. I’ve also faced significant health challenges over the past few years, concerning which I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my family and friends, including Bryan Luizzi and our wonderful school administration. I’m healthy now and able to serve fully and enthusiastically.
Yes, I was late to six of the meetings you listed — usually by about five to fifteen minutes (which, in mom-time, basically counts as early). Between a babysitter running late, a husband stuck on Metro-North, and the nightly circus of finding shoes, signing homework, and feeding something that vaguely resembles dinner… I try my best, but some nights the universe just laughs and says, “Nice try.”
That said, I always show up — and when I’m there, I’m fully present, engaged, and committed. I care deeply about this work and the people it impacts — even if I occasionally arrive with a few Goldfish crackers stuck to my dress.
I agree — not a game changer
the real issue is where do we want our taxes to be in 10 yrs
the rule of 72 tells you where they will be
72 divided by rate of increase to double
2% doubles in 36 yrs
4% doubles in 18 yrs note a 2% increase cuts 36 to 18 yrs
6 % doubles in 12 yrs
7 % doubles in 10 yrs
BOE budget was 70 million in 2011 with 4,149 students with staff of 688
2025 -26 $119 million 3,940 staff of 794
that a rate of 5% per yr for the last 14 yrs
at that rate $119 million will be $238 million in another 14 yrs
add the 300 million for the North school plus project and what will you have
Issues !!!!!
Julie can you please elaborate on what you mean about supporting parenting rights. Are you referring to the parental rights movement, which in Florida was colloquially known as “Don’t Say Gay”and which has been also associated with book banning etc?
I fully endorse Julie for another term on the BoE. She has been a tremendous advocate for ensuring the our schools maintain the highest standards of teaching and pushing back on dogmas that continue to seep into other towns both in CT and nationally that detract from academic excellence. And @tory Harold, your comment on book banning is as facetious as it is false. Do and be better instead of pandering cheap shots.
@carras holmstead. Looking for Julie to elaborate on her definition of parental rights. Thanks.
Jon, I’m glad you agree attendance is important. While I appreciate the “what about” sentiment, all we can do as active citizens is be present and mindful about those on the ballot today. I also reject your accusation that this is a political strategy. I am a mother of two middle school students and this is the most important position I’m voting for this fall.
Julie, I truly hope you are doing well. As a mom with kids in middle school, I deeply respect the demands of parenting. However, when someone steps up to serve on the Board of Education—responsible for overseeing 70 percent of our town’s budget—it requires full commitment and consistent attendance. With the technology available today, better or worse, the ability to participate fully in meetings is easier than it’s ever been. I have attended plenty of BOE mtgs with members on Zoom. To reiterate, for me, this is the most important role we’re electing and I simply want to be certain that all elected members have the ability to serve in full capacity. And record matters.
As you know, I agree with you that attendance is worth looking at, which is why in 2023 I wanted to highlight Democrat Brendan Hayes’ absence record during his reelection campaign, which was by far the worst of all incumbents running for reelection that year. For the incumbent Republicans up for reelection in 2025, looking across 19 special, committee and regular meetings of the Board of Ed in 2025: Julie has a 95% attendance rate, similar to our terrific Chairman Hugo Alves also at 95% (each were 18/19), while Phil Hogan is at a perfect 100%. Democrat Brendan Hayes (who is not up for reelection) continues to be the significant statistical outlier, pulling up the rear with a 74% attendance rate in 2025. I’m extremely pleased with our slate’s attendance and engagement, but most importantly their vision, initiatives, and track record these past 4 years. Julie’s been fantastic.
I’m always grateful for those who spend hours upon hours volunteering to keep New Canaan a wonderful place to live. I’m especially thankful for the primary caregivers who have to prepare meals, pick up children, and find babysitters to volunteer for this town. To single out Julie with this dataset, given her 95% attendance record in 2025, seems targeted, or speaks to bigger biases at hand. If you’re an undecided voter trying to educate yourself on the election by going through 2 years and (at least) 9 Board of Education Secretary notes transcripts to examine roll by minute, you are amazing and I’d love to recruit you to the Republican Town Committee (Mike has my contact info).
OK nice talk with Julie
100% voting for her after our conversation
good luck Julie
Julie,
I am very sorry to hear about your health problems last year and so glad to hear you are on the mend.
Could you please respond to the question about what you mean by “parental rights”?
This is my biggest concern as the mother of a NCPS student, product of NCPS (K-NCHS), and admirer of Dr. Luizzi and our esteemed, best in state, teaching staff.
Thank you for your service, and thank you in advance for your response.
Thank you to everyone contributing to this discussion — it’s clear we all care deeply about our schools, and that matters.
At the end of the day, actions speak louder than words. For two years, parents — myself included — consistently raised serious concerns at BOE meetings about student safety, curriculum oversight, and how our budget is being spent. These concerns went unanswered — including by those with a perfect attendance record.
During that time, Julie was the only BOE member currently seeking re-election who proactively reached out to parents to understand the issues and work toward solutions. That is leadership.
For parents with children in NCPS, especially in elementary school, I urge you to look past attendance tallies and ask a more meaningful question:
-Who actually took action when parents spoke up?
Because perfect attendance without engagement is just sitting in a chair.
It’s like going to the gym every day and never working out — showing up isn’t the result; doing the work is.
Julie doesn’t just attend meetings — she shows up for families.
Let’s evaluate candidates on their results, responsiveness, and courage to act, not on a timestamp.
Thanks Julia.
To your point about evaluating Julie and all BOE candidates on responsiveness rather than attendance — I still haven’t received a response to my question about “parental rights.” The silence there is very concerning to me. It’s a phrase she raised, and I think we as voters deserve to know what is meant by this.
Such passive aggressive BS. It’s clear that you wouldn’t vote for Julie even if she answered your question so why does it matter?
Kindness matters, Richard Condon, to. your. “BS”. Thanks for that! It’s not passive-aggressive to ask for CLARITY so the NC voters understand what Julie stands for. Running on transparency and parental rights — her own phrase — and she will not expound. What exactly are “parental rights” in relation to the BOE and our administration? Do you know that school boards that have implemented “parental rights” have incurred up to six figure levels of legal fees for overreaches? There are many levels of “parental rights” and I think the NC voters deserve to know what Julie is espousing.
You are 100% right
I have also had the chance to work with Julie since she joined the BOE. She’s been very responsive to parents. It’s frustrating to write to the BOE about a concern and not hear back — that has not been my experience with Julie or Phil Hogan. I appreciate the work on getting phones out of Saxe and hope the district will continue to lessen the use of iPads in the elementary schools.