Patch Candidate Profile: Shannon Tomai For Newtown Board Of Education

NEWTOWN, 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: Shannon Tomai

What office are you seeking? Re-election to the Board of Education

What town do you live in? Newtown

Party Affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Corporate Attorney; 19+ years of experience

Family: I am the mother of two children in the Newtown public school system.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: I currently serve as an elected member of the Newtown Board of Education, and I am currently the chairwoman of the capital planning and finance subcommittee of the Newtown Board of Education.

Why are you seeking this office? I am seeking re-election to the Newtown Board of Education because I believe deeply in the importance of public education as a foundation for opportunity and community. As a parent of two children currently enrolled in Newtown Public Schools, I am personally invested in the success of our district and its students.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: The most critical issue facing Newtown Public Schools right now is the balance between school safety initiatives and their impact on student well-being and community trust. As Chair of the CFF/CIP/Facilities/Finance Sub-Committee, I am uniquely positioned to address this issue with a focus on:

• Fiscal responsibility: ensuring that safety investments are cost-effective and sustainable.
• Legal and strategic oversight: evaluating the implications of security measures from a governance and liability perspective.
• Parental rights and community engagement: advocating for transparent decision-making and meaningful input from families.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? What sets me apart is the depth and breadth of my professional experience combined with my proven track record of service on the Newtown Board of Education. I bring nearly two decades of legal and strategic expertise. My background spans global corporate law, construction, fintech, and sustainability—fields that demand precision, accountability, and sound judgment.

I’ve already demonstrated my commitment to Newtown through my work as Chair of the CFF/CIP/Facilities/Finance Sub-Committee, where I’ve helped guide responsible budgeting, capital planning, and infrastructure oversight. I understand how to navigate complex issues, ask the right questions, and advocate for solutions that serve our students, families, and taxpayers.

As a parent of two children in Newtown Public Schools, I bring a personal stake in the decisions we make. I am also a strong advocate for parental rights and transparent governance. My combination of legal expertise, board experience, and personal investment in our schools gives me a unique perspective and a practical, results-driven approach to leadership.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? In addition to fiscal transparency and responsible capital planning, I am committed to protecting a safe and open learning environment for all children—one that is focused on academic excellence and free from the personal beliefs or agendas. Our classrooms should be places where students feel secure, supported, and challenged to think critically, not where they are subject to ideological influence.

I also intend to continue advocating for parental rights, ensuring that families are informed, involved, and respected in decisions affecting their children’s education. This includes promoting clear communication, curriculum transparency, and policies that reflect the values of our community.

As a parent and legal professional, I understand the importance of balancing governance with trust. I will work to ensure that Newtown Public Schools remain focused on their core mission: educating students in a safe, respectful, and academically rigorous environment.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I bring nearly two decades of legal and strategic experience. My career spans global corporate law, construction, fintech, and sustainability—fields that demand precision, accountability, and sound judgment.

On the Board of Education, I’ve served as Chair of the CFF/CIP/Facilities/Finance Sub-Committee, where I’ve helped guide responsible budgeting, capital planning, and infrastructure oversight. I’ve worked to ensure that our schools remain safe, well-maintained, and fiscally sound—while advocating for transparency and parental involvement.

I’ve consistently based my positions on principle and professional judgment, and I’ve prioritized creating a safe, well-disciplined learning environment for all students.

These accomplishments—combined with my legal expertise and personal investment as a parent of two children in Newtown Public Schools—demonstrate that I have the experience, skills, and dedication needed to continue serving effectively on the Board.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? "You never fail until you stop trying." - my Father