Wilton Election 2021 Profile: Deborah Low

WILTON, CT — The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Deborah Low, 69, is running for Board of Education in Wilton.

Occupation: Educator (Retired)

Family: My husband and I are long-term Wilton residents and the proud parents of two Wilton Public School graduates.

Experience: Chair and Wilton Board of Education

Family in government: No

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

The Wilton schools have several issues to address. The first is to address COVID recovery - as we return to normal, Board members should ensure our students remain on grade level while also addressing some learning gaps from last year. I believe our "Accelerated Learning" approach does that. We must also pay attention to post-COVID social/emotional needs and continue that focus because we realize that positive mental health increases students' ability to engage in learning. This is challenging in an era of high pressure and stress and the often-negative intensity of social media. In addition, the district needs to continue improvement plans for the math program - we have a good record, but it should be even stronger as measured by our test scores. We have gotten stronger at the early grades and we are implementing improvement strategies Grades 3 - 8, and but the Board will need to examine the data to determine to what extent these strategies are working.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

My demonstrated Board leadership style of collaboration and teamwork would be an asset. In addition, I encourage and listen to input from all constituents. I know the importance of analyzing data and asking probing questions. I understand the Board works on behalf of all 3, and 758 students. The quality of our faculty is critical - we have a world-class staff and I would work to ensure Wilton continues to attract and retain the best teachers. I have experience developing and proposing school budgets that meet the needs of students and are fiscally responsible for the taxpayer.

Accomplishments:

I have served on the Board of Ed for the past four years and have had the privilege of serving as Chair for the past two. I am proud our Board has worked as a non-partisan, collaborative team. In addition, I am a retired educator - my experience starting as a classroom teacher and then moving into administration. I have been principal of Wilton High School, Wilton Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent in Ridgefield. I believe my experience provides a helpful perspective to the Board.

Other issues:

The Board recently approved the Portrait of the Graduate, a shared vision developed by parents, faculty, and the community. It outlines aspirational goals for all our graduates. The Board will oversee how the K-12 curriculum and instruction in the classroom is matched to these aspirations.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

The Wilton schools are regularly recognized for excellence in everything from academics to the arts. My focus would be to keep it that way and my strategy is continuous improvement. We always strive to be even better and we must maintain that mindset. As the parent of two Wilton Public School graduates and I know the Wilton schools provided them an excellent foundation for college and their later careers. The Wilton schools are a major asset of our town; we must continue and improve upon our tradition of educational excellence.