Patch Candidate Profile: Ashley Gulyas, Norwalk Board Of Education

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

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

Democrat Ashley Gulyas, 36, is a Norwalk resident running for the Board of Education in District D.

Education

Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Delaware, Masters of Science in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University.

What is your occupation?

Music Educator (currently in my 15th year of teaching).

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

I've been married to my husband, Bryan, for 7 years. We have a 5-year-old child, Xavier, who just started kindergarten in the Norwalk Public School system.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None of my relatives work in politics or government.

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

I am currently a member of Norwalk's Commission on the Status of Women, which is an appointed position.

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 running for the Board of Education because I'm passionate about diversity and inclusion in education. Additionally, I feel that our teachers need a voice on the Board of Education asking questions on their behalf.

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 teacher satisfaction and retention. I intend to ask questions to ensure that teachers have been consulted about new initiatives and requirements so we are not unnecessarily adding to their already overflowing plates and impeding their ability to educate our children to the best of their ability.

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

I am an educator as well as a current Norwalk Public Schools parent. I live the reality of the challenges of teaching everyday, have a strong sense of what our students need, and am very invested in our Norwalk Public Schools community for my child.

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

I am not challenging an incumbent. The current District D Board of Education representative, Erica DePalma, decided not to run again. She has done a fantastic job in her role and has represented our community well.

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

I have been very impressed by our Norwalk Public Schools. I am running to do my part to maintain our excellence and elevate it where I can. I think that Norwalk's diversity is a huge asset and want to ensure that our diverse populations feel included and have a sense of belonging in our community.

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

I feel that my experience as a teacher and as a parent make me very qualified for this role. Additionally, I am a natural organizer and advocate. I have found myself in many leadership roles and in those roles am comfortable speaking to a crowd, articulate in sharing my opinions, and listen and collaborate well with others.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The most recent advice I received came while out knocking doors for my campaign, and it has stuck with me. A man who has had lots of experience with Board of Education meetings advised me to surround myself with good people in my life. People who will lift me up and support me and believe in me (especially after a contentious meeting!). He is so right and I already know that I have an amazing group of supportive people around me, for which I am incredibly grateful.

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

I think I've covered it all! Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions! You can contact me through my campaign Facebook or Instagram @gulyas.for.norwalk.boardofed.