Calling her a staunch advocate for New Canaan Public Schools students who brought collegiality, expertise, generosity and support to the role, members of the Board of Education last week wished their longest-serving colleague farewell.
Penny Rashin is running for re-election to the Board of Education. Contributed
Penny Rashin, who is not seeking re-election, leaves the school district “an extraordinary legacy of service” after 18 years on the Board of Ed, according to Chair Hugo Alves.
“Penny, on behalf of the entire board and the community you’ve served so tirelessly,” Alves said during the school board’s regular meeting, held Oct. 20 in the Wagner Room at New Canaan High School. “I want to express our deepest gratitude. From your first term, Penny, you brought a passion for education that’s shaped our schools in profound ways.”
Representatives from New Canaan’s high-performing public schools. L-R: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bryan Luizzi and Board of Ed members Jennifer Richardson, Sheri West, Sangeeta Appel, Penny Rashin and Chair Dionna Carlson. Scenes from the May 29, 2017 Memorial Day parade and ceremony in New Canaan. Credit: Michael Dinan
Describing Rashin as an alum of Dartmouth and the University of Virginia who is dedicated to her family, Alves said she has championed initiatives “that foster empathy, deepen understanding and ensure that every child can thrive.”
He continued: “Whether serving on school building committees, contributing to policy discussions, or navigating challenging times with grace and an open mind, you’ve reminded us that education is among the most important work on the planet. Your wisdom, commitment and unwavering focus on what’s best for New Canaan’s families have made our Board stronger and our schools better. We’ve been so fortunate to have you as a colleague and a friend. Your insights have guided us through budgets, curricula, countless decisions that impact generations, and best of all, you’ve always done it with that warm, beaming, contagious smile. Penny, as you embark on this next chapter, know that your impact will endure. We wish you joy, relaxation and new adventures ahead. Thank you once again for your tremendous service.”
Members of the Saxe Building Committee, design and construction teams and others during a June 16, 2016 groundbreaking at Saxe Middle School. L-R: Ken Kampbell, Penny Rashin, Rob Mallozzi, Jim Beall, Jim LaPosta, Hazel Hobbs, Molly Ludtke, Sangeeta Appel, Bryan Luizzi, Bill Walbert, Bob Willoughby, Amy Murphy Carroll, Gene Tirone and Jo-Ann Keating. Credit: Michael Dinan
Rashin’s is one of two school board seats currently held by Democrats that are up for election this year.
The Board opened the meeting with a special performance from the NCHS Madrigal Ensemble, dedicated to Rashin.
Noting that she rarely missed a NCHS graduation ceremony through nearly two decades, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bryan Luizzi said that at each graduation, “you’ve heard the Madrigals sing ‘An Irish Blessing’ to the graduates.”
“And tonight, they’re here to sing it for you,” he said.
Rashin said later in the meeting that the rendition “got me.”
L-R: Police Department Building Committee Chair Bill Walbert, New Canaan Senior Engineer Joe Zagarenski, Director of Public Works Tiger Mann, Police Chief John DiFederico, Selectman and Building Committee member Amy Murphy Carroll, Building Committee member Penny Rashin, Building Committee member Paul Tully, Building Committee Advisor Stuart Sawabini, First Selectman Dionna Carlson, Building Committee member Jim Beall, Police Captain Joseph Farenga, Police Deputy Chief Andrew Walsh; four members of Turner Construction Ty Tregellas, Scott Tompkins, Larry Ho and Eugene Torone; and Brian Humes of Jacunski Humes Architects. Groundbreaking at NCPD, Dec. 15, 2023. Credit: Natalie Lopez
“It’s very special because my daughter-in-law is Irish, so she’s going to love that,” Rashin said.
She thanked “the unbelievably talented administration and teachers, for all you do every year for our students.”
“And I know that 18 years, because I’ve been to your celebrations of retirement, I’m just a beginner,” Rashin said. “But thank you, because you show up with dedication and intelligence and perseverance and you make our schools tremendous with everything you do. I wanted to say ‘thank you’ to the town bodies and the community because every year you make the decision to invest in the New Canaan schools and every year, we all know now that we’ve had these amazing challenges. We didn’t know where they came from. All of a sudden we’re there and we need to pivot and take care of it, and the town supports us.”
She called that support “a great blessing” and said that when teachers, the community, Board of Ed and town bodies work together, “we make unbelievably great schools.”
“And that includes great connections with the students, great academics, great clubs,” Rashin said. “Who doesn’t like the Model UN presentations? So anyhow, it’s just been an honor and a privilege to serve with you for the last 18 years on this Board of Ed. And I wish you all the luck because we’ve seen, you’re starting from a great place, but you’ve got unbelievable challenges ahead. So I wish you great luck in meeting those.”
Town officials from both major parties gather at DTC headquarters on Main Street on Election Night, 2015. Standing, L-R: Paul Foley, Nick Williams, Rob Mallozzi, Chris Hussey, Roger Williams, Penny Young, Jim Kucharcyzk, Joe Paladino, Penny Rashin. Kneeling: Sven Englund. Beth Jones standing beside him. Contributed
Board of Ed member Brendan Hayes told Rashin that from the moment he joined the elected body, “you were the person to go to if I had absolutely any question.”
“You’ve always been just an incredibly fierce advocate for the kids of New Canaan, the entire community, and to me, the most amazing quality is that when you’re fiercely advocating, it always comes from the best place,” Hayes said. “And regardless of who it is, whether it’s someone in town government, or somebody on the Board, after that argument, you’re always the first person to come over and give somebody a hug or shake their hand. It’s always with a big smile. And as a result, everybody in town absolutely loves you. And we’re all going to miss you a ton.”
Hayes called his 10 years on the school board with Rashin “amazing” and “special.”
“I appreciate all of our work together and I just salute your 18 years,” he said. “I have a feeling that your work is going to continue and you’ll find other things to do. But you’ve really shaped, I think, generations of New Canaan students because of all that you’ve done on the board. So thank you.”
Penny Rashin, chair of the Saxe Building Committee, entering the new addition at the middle school in August 2017. Credit: Michael Dinan
Board of Ed member Matt Campbell said his biggest surprise in serving on the school board has been “how much I enjoy working with you, Penny.”
“And I think that’s probably your biggest surprise—is you tolerate me as well as you do,” Campbell said with a smile.
He added that “despite some differences, I really appreciate your kindness.”
“I appreciate your patience and I appreciate your experience that you offer so freely to, to all of us, regardless of political affiliation,” Campbell said. “And you’ve really put New Canaan schools and students above everything else and I appreciate that and I appreciate your service. Thank you.”
Thank you, Penny! I am one of the many who appreciate your wonderful contributions to our schools and our community.
Thank you for your years of service Penny. You are the quintessential vision I get when I think of someone dedicating their life to town service. Not only have you been on this board for 2 decades making your role on the board so important not just because you are so smart, kind, and active listener engaged in dialogue with everyone, but you have formed the relationships to understand all the little connections to truly understand how things work. You have been here through so many changes in education and watched the process and learned how those things are done AND knowing your background is that of a lawyer brought an added layer of knowing the rules, restrictions, protections and challenges along the way. I also see you volunteering around town everywhere, not just in your elected role in an official capacity. And as I’ve told you before you are very easy to spot from my meager 5 ft 5 inches, so it’s never unnoticed just how often you show up! Thank you for your dedication and for loving our schools, teachers, administration and town so much. We are a better place for having you here.
Julia Stewart
Penny has made extraordinary contributions to the schools and to the broader community over the past 18 years. Her passion, wisdom and generosity are beyond compare. Her commitment to excellence, deep kindness and boundless energy have been invaluable to moving many important initiatives forward. Thank you, Penny!
Thank you Penny!
Penny Rashin exemplifies commitment, integrity and compassion as a civil servant. I am most grateful and proud of the legacy and impact that her 18 years has meant to our standing in educational excellence and contribution to our entire community. Thank you, Penny!!
We have benefitted for your dedication and two decades of sacrifice and public service. Thank you Penny !