Board of Education

Board of Ed Member Resigns at Tense Public Meeting

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A two-year member of the New Canaan Board of Education resigned Monday night after issuing a dramatic statement during the newly elected body’s regular meeting. 

Matt Campbell, the highest vote-getter among all school board candidates two years ago, accused two fellow Board of Ed members—one Democrat and one fellow Republican—of “colluding” to influence the recent election. That election saw Democrats pick up one seat on the school board when incumbent Republican Julie Toal lost her seat. The GOP still holds a 5-4 majority on the BOE. Referring to Board of Ed members Phil Hogan and Erica Schwedel (who were voted during the meeting as BOE chair and secretary, respectively, see below), Campbell said that “like many in my party,” he has “long been uncomfortable with the nature of their relationship.”

“But this [collusion] truly surprised me,” Campbell said during the meeting, held in the Wagner Room at New Canaan High School. “I vehemently opposed any deal that would deprive New Canaan residents of the best potential representatives for the BOE,” he said.

Board of Education

‘Our Deepest Gratitude’: Board of Ed Wishes Penny Rashin the Best After 18 Years of Service

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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, 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.

Government

Election 2025: Board of Education Candidate Giacomo Landi [Q&A]

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New Canaan resident Giacomo Landi, an unaffiliated candidate, is seeking election to the Board of Education. Republicans hold 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, in addition to Landi, a write-in candidate. 

Here’s our exchange with Landi. ***

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.

Government

Election 2025: Board of Education Incumbent Erica Schwedel [Q&A]

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Board of Education incumbent Erica Schwedel, a Democrat, 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 Schwedel. ***

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.

Government

Election 2025: Board of Education Incumbent Julie Toal [Q&A]

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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. ***

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.