Patch Candidate Profile: Shannon Tomai, Newtown Board of Education

NEWTOWN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Newtown and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Attorney Shannon Tomai, 42, is running for re-election to the Newtown Board of Education as a Republican.

Education.

Juris doctorate, 2006

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

Significant other: John

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes, I am currently serving on the Board of Education and running for re-election

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?

As a mother with children attending Newtown Public Schools, I want to serve the best interests of New-town's children and the community. I am focused on academic excellence and closing the achievement gap and efficient resource allocation to balance school improvements with cost management to optimize spending without compromising the quality of education for our children.

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 rising cost of school improvements and special education spending without a corresponding increase in test scores and closing achievement gaps.

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

I will always put the best interests of Newtown's children and the community as a whole first. I am not interested in a political career and seek only to do what is best for my constituents during the time that I serve.

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

My key priorities and strategies if elected are: (1) striving for academic excellence and closing the achievement gap by implementing evidence-based practices, providing best-in-class support to struggling students, and offering enrichment opportunities for high-achieving students; and (2) efficient resource allocation to balance school improvements with cost management to optimize spending without compromising the quality of education for our children, noting that a high-achieving school district can positively impact property values.

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

During my tenure on the Board of Education, we successfully implemented a best-in-class library resources policy to protect parental rights and the hard working Newtown Public School staff and administration. I will use my business acumen negotiating skills gleaned from my profession as an attorney, and my vested interest as a mother with children attending Newtown Public Schools to serve the best interests of Newtown's children and the community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"You never fail until you stop trying." - my Dad.