Guilford Republican Primary: Aly Passarelli Seeks Nomination

GUILFORD, CT — Guilford holds its Republican primary Tuesday, Sept. 14 for the Board of Education candidates. Registered Republican you may vote at regular polling places from 6 am until 8 pm.

Patch contacted primary candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Aly Passarelli, 40, is seeking the Republican Party nomination for Guilford Board of Education member.

Occupation: Instructional coach

Family: 2 children 9 & 1

Experience: N/A

Family in government: No

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I have a very extensive background in education. Both of my parents were educators, I started as a substitute teacher right out of high school have gotten my masters in elementary, my teaching certification, my sixth year in educational leadership, administrative certification, and soon to have my doctor in early childhood education. I take pride in my work and in my children. I want nothing but the best for my children and for everyone else’s. I would like to ensure that Guilford sticks to the basics of education and teaches the facts. I do not want a political agenda driving education, instead we should be focusing on the data and student interest to drive lesson planning. I would like to see more family engagement across-the-board with academics and extracurricular activities, I would like to see more transparency with the curriculum, I would like to make sure that there is an appropriate allocation of funds so that the children are the ones that benefit, I would like to see support for Special Education and their needs, especially with regards to social emotional wellness (emotional intelligence) because it’s important to me to educate the whole child. I want to work collaboratively with all board members, parents, and teachers and administrators to identify any other concerns and to resolve them.

Accomplishments:

My entire career has been in education, it is my passion, and and I want what’s best for the kids.

Other issues:

Transparency and accountability Fiscal responsibility Educational excellence

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I come from a very diverse background, and it has lead me to be the strong and independent person I am today. I have a great deal of knowledge with respect to educational issues. As I mentioned before, my parents were both educators, I am an educator, my friends and family are educators, and I have nothing but respect for the profession and the demands of the job, and most importantly the people who have these jobs. I grew up in Guilford and the community and school system is why I want my kids to be raised here. I am concerned that politics is playing a part in dividing us as a country and as a town, and I want to prevent that. The anger and hate that I (and others) have endured is no way to treat your neighbor. Guilford is better than that, and I believe capable of doing better. That’s why I’m running for BOE, to be a positive example, to prove that regardless of our religion, race, ethnicity, and etc. we can work together to do what is right for our children and to give everyone a voice and a “seat at the table.”