Darien Democrats Nominate Joanna Walsh, Michael Balzano For Board Of Education

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Democratic Town Committee this week announced the nominations of Joanna Walsh and Michael Balzano as candidates for the Darien Board of Education.

"The Darien DTC is excited and honored to endorse Joanna Walsh and Michael Balzano for Darien's Board of Education. Joanna brings years of experience as a volunteer in and around the Darien Public Schools and Michael is a public school educator with a deep understanding of curriculum and instruction," said Darien DTC Chair Rob Richards, in a news release.

"Our school district is facing great challenges as it struggles to meet the needs of every student under tighter and tighter budget constrictions. Driven by a belief that every child matters and that the district must meet the needs of each student where they are, they represent the best that Darien has to offer and Darien is fortunate that they have chosen to run for the Board of Education."

Both candidates are seeking their first terms on the board. Walsh has worked closely with the board, school administration and parents as the co-chair of the Council of Darien School Parents (CDSP).

A graduate of Wesleyan University, Walsh worked in marketing and communications at Kaplan, Inc., an educational company, prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom. She has volunteered throughout the years, notably on the Hindley PTO board and later the CDSP for the last three years.

Walsh has three children — one each at the high school, middle school and elementary level in DPS.

"As co-chair of the Council of Darien School Parents for the last three years, I’ve watched Board of Education members discuss and debate Darien Public Schools’ issues," Walsh said in a news release.

"I’ve spent a lot of time talking to parents, teachers and administrators, and advocated for families in my volunteer position through public comment, meetings with individuals, and collaboration with the PTOs of all seven schools in the district," Walsh added. "Yet, there is still so much work to be done to bring the focus back to our children. It’s clear to me that the best way to effect change is to sit at the table."

In recent years, Balzano returned to school to earn a master's degree in educational instruction and curriculum, and he became a public school educator after becoming a father. Balzano received a bacehlor's degree in history from Fordham University, and a master's from the University of Connecticut.

Originally from the Bronx, Balzano and his family live in Darien and have two children in DPS.

Balzano has coached little league baseball, and basketball at the Darien YMCA while also supporting the local Cub Scouts - Pack 161, according to a news release.

"Darien schools should be a shining example in addressing the diverse needs of all our students. I see service on the Board of Education as a way to ensure our schools meet those expectations while also giving back to our community that I care so deeply about," Balzano said in a news release.