Patch Candidate Profile: Erica Schwedel For New Canaan Board Of Education

NEW CANAAN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:

Erica Schwedel

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

What town do you live in?

New Canaan

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

I’m a stay-at-home mom and a community volunteer. During my time in New Canaan I’ve said yes again and again to initiatives and organizations that make our town a great place to live. I’ve served as a volunteer or on the board of the Newcomers Club, New Canaan CARES, West School PTC (co-president), Young Women's League, New Canaan Squash Club, The Dome/Planetarium Committee, St Mark’s Boy Scout Troop 70 and the New Canaan Community Foundation.

Family:

My husband Andrew and I have lived in New Canaan for 15 years. We have two kids who went to Playland Preschool, West Elementary School and are now in 6th and 8th grade at Saxe Middle School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I’ve been serving on the Board of Education for four years. During that time I’ve served as secretary of the board for two years and vice chair for one year. I've also served on the Communications (chair), Facilities, and Executive committees.

Why are you seeking this office?

I believe that I have the skills and experience to help effectively guide our school system for the next four years. I have shown dedication to the position and a willingness to work with anyone so that our schools continue to improve and our students thrive during their time at NCPS and beyond.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:

The vast majority of residents came to New Canaan because of the quality of our schools, and our home prices are directly related to our district’s continued reputation for excellence. New Canaan residents care about keeping our schools best-in-class and staying focused on the future of our students. Our most pressing issue is how to continue to grow and innovate to stay at the forefront of education in the state of Connecticut. I plan to continue working with our administration collaboratively to ensure our schools evolve with our changing world.

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

When I was president of the West School PTC I worked with over 100 parent volunteers to accomplish a wide range of objectives including fundraising, programs & social events, and building the Outdoor Learning Center. This experience helped me understand our parent community and how to work with a wide variety of people. It also deepened my respect for our teachers and administrators who are truly exceptional educators and care deeply about the wellbeing and success of each and every one of our students.

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

Our district will be facing challenges during the next several years - namely elementary school enrollment near/over capacity, 30-year-old buildings in need of meaningful renovations, and the continued challenges of educating 5th graders using a 5-8 middle school model. The BOE will need to bring forward recommendations based on the best advice and assumptions available to us, while listening to the community and engaging the other town boards. We have some big decisions to make as a town in the next couple years, and we need strong elected officials who are committed, inquisitive and willing to engage with and listen to the community.

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

I come to this position with a deep background and interest in education. I'm a graduate of Princeton University and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and benefited enormously from the teachers and professors that invested in me. After moving to Connecticut, I worked professionally for a network of charter schools and a charitable foundation focused on supporting education nonprofits. Once my kids were at West School, I served as co-president of the PTC. I bring a deep background and interest in education.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Ask good questions

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

I have a four-year history of approaching BOE issues with a focus on what is right for New Canaan students, families, teachers and the larger community. I've gone out of my way to build working relationships with all members of the board regardless of party. I strongly believe that New Canaan community members place a high value on competency and problem solving.