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.

Opinion

Election 2025: Board of Education Incumbent Hugo Alves [Q&A]

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Board of Education incumbent Hugo Alves, 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. Here’s our exchange with Alves.

Board of Education

‘Kind and Supportive of Others’ Success’: Board of Ed Remembers Toby Woods

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The Board of Education on Monday night remembered 2023 New Canaan High School graduate Toby Woods, who died Feb. 21. Board of Ed Chair Hugo Alves led the elected body in a moment of silence at the start of its regular meeting. “I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the tragic loss of one of our former students, Toby Woods,” Alves said during the meeting, held in the Wagner Room at NCHS. “This loss has deeply impacted us all and our thoughts and prayers are with Toby’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” Alves continued.

Board of Education

Board of Ed Divided on Best Calendar for 2025-26 School Year

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District officials are trying to figure out the most sensible way to build more wiggle room into the proposed 2025-26 school year schedule. As a proposed calendar now before the Board of Education has it, that school year would start on a Thursday in August and end on a Thursday the following June, meaning the final week of school could absorb just one snow day before threatening to push the academic year into the following week. However, the district by its own policy doesn’t push the school year beyond the third full week of June. “So there’s different things that are conspiring against us here for that start date,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bryan Luizzi said during the Board’s regular meeting, held Dec. 4 in the Wagner Room at New Canaan High School. 

The ‘25-’26 school year is already an anomaly in that several months will see a reduction in the number of school days just because of how the holidays fall.

Board of Education

Board of Ed Elects Hugo Alves as Chair [UPDATED]

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The Board of Education on Monday night voted 6-3 in favor of Hugo Alves as the elected body’s new chair. Elected to two-year terms in 2021 and 2023, Alves is a member of the school board’s Resources Committee. In the wider community, the Republican—a financial planner, by profession—volunteers on the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society’s Board of Governors. In nominating Alves during the Board of Ed’s regular meeting, member Julie Toal said, “I love working with Hugo and I’ve sat across from him for two years now.” 

“And I love watching him from across the room, holding court with the administration and the other Board members,” Toal said during the meeting, held in the Wagner Room at New Canaan High School. “And I think Hugo has earned everybody’s trust and formed solid relationships with all of us sitting up here at this table.