Retired Rec Director Alex Palluzzi, Jr. Named To Branford Board Of Ed

BRANFORD, CT — At Wednesday's Board of Education Special Meeting, well-known Branfordite and decades-long public servant, Alex Palluzzi was unanimously voted in as the Board's newest member.

Palluzzi retired at the end of 2024 after serving the town and its families for a half century, 32 years as Parks & Rec department director.

"I want to do what's best for Branford and its kids," he said. "I'm happy and proud to help where I can."

Palluzzi replaces former BOE member, Marie McNamara, who resigned in late April. After McNamara's resignation, Board chair Peter A. Berdon noted that by the Charter, the vacancy would be filled by a vote of the remaining members. At the May 14 meeting, the Board interviewed interested candidates. Palluzzi, who won the seat by unanimous vote, will serve out McNamara's remaining term of six months.

"I think I still have something to give to the community," Palluzzi told Patch. "The Board of Education is an excellent place for me. I want the best for every kid in the system."

Palluzzi said the school district has "very talented" educators, administrators, support, staff and Board members. "Every kid should have the same opportunities. We have the talent, the schools, the facilities to help everyone."

"I need to listen to all sides of an issue and I hope to become an even better listener," he said.

For his six months on the Board, he'll be at the table and working to find common ground and the best interests of the town, he said.

Palluzzi, who just returned from a trip to Italy, where he was witness to the naming of a new Pope, told Patch he'll, "See how the six months go."

His plan would see him likely run as unaffiliated. Should he run for election to the Board of Ed, or perhaps selectman; never First Selectman, to honor his parents' request.

"I'm not looking from a party perspective," Palluzzi said. Though he's been approached and has spoken to both parties about a run for Selectman, he's more comfortable working for the community, not through a party lens.

"I'm good at bringing people together," he said.

So, whether he runs for the Board of Ed, or the Board of Selectman, Palluzzi said he'd "be in it to win it," but if he wasn't elected, he'd continue to work with the town and schools on projects he's given years to. His dedication is to Branford.

"I'm a hometown story," Palluzzi said.