CT Patch Candidate Profile: Tony Paolitto For Board Of Education

MADISON, CT — The 2025 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Connecticut Patch asked local candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Candidate's Name:
Tony Paolitto

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Madison CT

Party Affiliation:
Republicans

Occupation:
30+ years as a school psychologist and then college professor of same. I have a PhD in school psychology from UConn, and the universities at which I have taught are Tufts University, James Madison University, and George Mason University.

Family:
Wife Kendra runs an AI recruiting and investing company

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Current Board of Education member running for reelection

Why are you seeking this office?
I have a career of service working as an educator and psychologist in every venue of public schools, from k-12 and universities. I have worked closely with parents, teachers, administrators, and of course students, who I trained to work in the public schools with every population of students. Education is in my blood and is what I have always done, enjoyed, and excelled at.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Distraction of technology and influence of AI on learning — Madison schools is taking the lead on these issues and will be revisiting them throughout the year

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have spent my entire career and education, working specifically in the schools or preparing college students to do the same. I have worked with every level and skill set of student, from severely handicapped to gifted as well as run clinics for ADHD, anxiety, learning disorders, addictions, behavior issues, depression, etc. I am intimately familiar with how these affect students parents, their teachers, and what the schools can do to assist them. I have consulted to a number of boards of education as well.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As I have stated, I have worked with many hundreds of students in the schools, their parents, teachers and administrators. Not only have I done this as a practitioner, but I have also worked with all of the above parties in a university setting in a clinical practice capacity or in teaching. I have received numerous awards in my field, including a lifetime achievement award for training psychologist to work in the schools with all of the students, and whatever abilities or disabilities they may have. I have contributed to the field with a number of book chapters, journal, publications, and national and international presentations on education.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Don’t give up, follow your dream and whatever you do stick with it to the end if it is something you are passionate about and believe in.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Life, or a career, should not be about accumulating experiences just so you can put them on a résumé. You must be willing to do the hard work and follow through on everything to make sure it is done right