NORWALK, Conn. — Norwalk families will have the opportunity to hear directly from candidates for both the Board of Education and mayor during a public forum on Monday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. in the CMS/Ponus Cafeteria.
The event, moderated by Mike Stenger, co-chair of the School Governance Council at Naramake Elementary School, will begin with introductions followed by a series of five preselected questions for Board of Education candidates.
Each BOE candidate will have 1–2 minutes to respond to each question. Organizers said there will be no rebuttal period, emphasizing that the goal is to inform voters about each candidate’s individual positions.
Following the Board of Education portion, mayoral candidates will each have five minutes to share their perspectives on education and the city budget, with audience questions to follow as time allows.
Confirmed Board of Education Candidates
- Artie Kassimis (R)
- Tricia Massucco (R/I)
- Xavier Guzman (R/I)
- Sheri McCready Pritchett (D)
- Marcus Jaime (D)
- Garrett Oliver (D)
- Dana (Nellie) Cole (D)
- Lisa Brinton (I)
- Alexandra Kemeny (I/R)
Confirmed Mayoral Candidates
- Vinny Scicchitano (R)
- John Kydes (U)
- Barbara Smyth (D)
Preselected Questions
Candidates will address issues including:
- Equity and Access: How will you ensure all students—regardless of school or neighborhood—have equitable access to quality teachers, programs, and facilities?
- Facilities and Growth: What is your plan to address overcrowding and ensure schools can support enrollment growth?
- Teacher and Staff Support: How will you attract, retain, and support educators while keeping conditions competitive?
- Student Wellness and Special Education: How will you improve access to mental health and special education services amid staffing shortages?
- Budget and Transparency: How will you balance limited funds, increase transparency, and strengthen trust with families?
The forum is open to the public and aims to help residents make informed choices ahead of the upcoming municipal election.
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