New Canaan Election 2021: Erica Schwedel For Board Of Education

NEW CANAAN, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in town will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on a few topics.

Democrat Erica Schwedel, 44, is running for Board of Education in New Canaan.

Occupation: Community Volunteer

Family: My family includes my husband, Andrew, and our two elementary age children.

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

The single most pressing issue facing our town is keeping our board of education committed to excellence and nonpartisan collaboration, and if elected I will look for common ground with my fellow BOE members to do what's best for New Canaan's kids.

New Canaan Public Schools are top performing academically, and I would like to keep the district moving forward to address the next set of challenges.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am an experienced volunteer who has served on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations in New Canaan, including the Newcomers Club, Young Women’s League, New Canaan CARES and most recently the New Canaan Community Foundation.

I also have professional experience in education, having worked for a nonprofit network of public charter schools and for a private family foundation focused on high school graduation rates.

I combine experience and deep understanding of New Canaan’s educational issues with the perspective of a parent with young children.

Accomplishments:

I just completed a two-year term as co-president of the West School PTC where I led and worked closely with 100+ volunteer parents in the execution of programs, events and fundraisers for the school during the pandemic. I also led development of the Outdoor Learning Center, a $250 multi-functional outdoor learning space for West School’s Pre-Kindergarten through fourth grade students.

Other issues:

First, I would like to expand and modernize communication methods between the BOE and the community so that all can easily follow the BOE’s work.

Second, I would like to keep New Canaan schools locally controlled and top performing academically, as evidenced by test scores and state rankings.

Third, I would like to continue the effective work of previous boards in reducing operational costs to maximize dollars in the classroom.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

As the parent of two elementary school students, I will listen to and advocate for the interests of younger families in New Canaan. I believe in using data and science to guide decision-making.