Nick Aysseh Running For Fairfield Board Of Education

FAIRFIELD, CT — It's election season in Fairfield, and Patch is here to help you get to know the candidates running for local office in 2021 before voters head to the polls Nov. 2.

Questionnaire responses appear as submitted by candidates.

Republican Nick Aysseh, 42, is running for Fairfield Board of Education.

Occupation: Manager

Family: Christina - Wife (age 44), Austin (age 8 on 10/24/21), Charlotte (age 5) both kids in FPS elementary school.

Experience: Current Vice Chair Fairfield BOE

Family in government: NO

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is navigating the post-Covid impact on learning for our students. It is critical that we invest in the resources to meet the needs of all students. We can do this by developing a district improvement plan focused on student achievement, making sure that we are providing a well-rounded educational experience rooted in the fundamentals of reading, writing, and and math and engaging students in the arts and sciences. There also needs to be an acknowledgment of the importance of addressing mental health and physical well-being needs as well.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I have a background in customer service and budgeting. I can objectively drill down on a budget, assess the reward vs expenditure ratio and chart a pathway forward that meets the needs of our students, and and our resident’s ability to pay for the services we provide. I am not afraid to ask the “hard questions” and I am an ardent supporter of addressing our critical maintenance and facility’s needs. I understand that the “buck stops with the Board of Education” and that we play a critical role in developing the budget put forward to the Town. We need to work together with the Town bodies so that we can build a successful blueprint for everyone.

Accomplishments:

I have proudly served on the Board of Education since 2017. I was elected to serve as Vice Chair by the Board and am committed to a fair and honest debate process. In addition, I have served as a BOE liaison to union negotiating teams, helped re-constitute and now serve on the BOE Finance Subcommittee, and and I am a member of the BOE Transportation Advisory Committee. My collaborative approach to problem solving is an accomplishment for which I am proud.

Other issues:

I am committed to investigating the efficient use of our facilities, planning for the next decade and beyond, and and ensuring that “All students” are the focus of my work on the board.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am a proven leader who knows how to work collaboratively with a team. I manage the injury and violence prevention programs for Yale New Haven Hospital who’s work is rooted in the community. I also have several small businesses in Fairfield County. With two children enrolled in FPS I am committed to the long term goals of the district and being a part of formulating those goals and supporting policy to achieve them. The last four years have prepared me to continue being an active and effective BOE member for another term in order to continue important work that was paused during the pandemic.