New Canaan Patch Candidate Profile: Lauren Connolly Nussbaum

NEW CANAAN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in New Canaan and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

New Canaan Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Democrat Lauren Connolly Nussbaum, 44, is a New Canaan resident running for the Board of Education.

Education

College of William & Mary, BA in English Literature; Minor in Hispanic Studies.

What is your occupation?

SAHM, Community Volunteer & Volunteer Coach.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My husband Matt and I have been married for 15 years. We have three children, Nora (13), Bridgy (10) and Grace (8).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking a 4 year term on the Board of Education because I care deeply about our town and its greatest asset - the public school system. I want to ensure that New Canaan Public Schools continue to be strong, safe, inclusive, and innovative and that our students are prepared to be leaders in a global society.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the expected enrollment increase for fall 2025. I will work in collaboration with our administration to prepare for this expected increase. This issue will require us to address infrastructure, teacher hiring, school safety and security.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have experience working in our schools as a recent PTC Board Member and as last year's Co-Chair of our middle school's Annual Campaign. I have studied the work of the Board of Education for over 2 years and attended every BOE meeting - in person or virtually - in that time. I have a track record of listening to diverse points of view, and working in collaboration with administrators, teachers, parents and students. I know the issues facing our schools and I am prepared to think critically and act thoughtfully in addressing those issues.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I am not challenging an incumbent, but I am running alongside a terrific incumbent - 2 term incumbent Brendan Hayes is an excellent Board of Education member who has served our community for 8 years. Brendan Hayes and I are running for 4 year terms and voters can vote for both of us. I am asking New Canaanites to vote for Brendan Hayes, Josh Kaye (2 year term) and me, Lauren Connolly Nussbaum, for the Board of Education.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

In the coming years, our Board of Education will have to prioritize the following: school safety and security, hiring and retaining the best teachers and administrators, investing in professional development to stay ahead of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, ensuring our Special Education teachers have the resources they need to serve every learner, continuing to provide parents and families with the tools they need to be actively engaged in their students' education.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

During my ten years in New Canaan, I have had remarkable opportunities to build communities within this community. As president of the board of New Canaan Community Preschool, class parent at West Preschool, Board of Education liaison at South School, and 2022-23 annual campaign co-chair at Saxe Middle School, I have experienced the best of New Canaan teachers, administrators, parents and students working together in pursuit of excellence.

As a volunteer coach with New Canaan Softball, New Canaan Football Club, New Canaan Youth Field Hockey and New Canaan Y-Ball, I have focused on the value of teamwork, in pursuit of goals both on and off the field and court. As an active member of Young Women's League, National Charity League, Renovate the Dome, and St. Aloysius Parish, I have fostered connection and collaboration in supporting the greatest needs in and around our town.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Show up; work hard; be kind; stay humble.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am grateful for the opportunity to run for the Board of Education. I am asking New Canaanites for their vote on Tuesday, November 7th. Brendan Hayes, Josh Kaye and I, Lauren Connolly Nussbaum, will show up, work hard and be kind. Vote Row A.