Patch Candidate Profile: Angela Rice For Ridgefield Board Of Education

RIDGEFIELD, 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: Angela Rice

What office are you seeking? Board of Education

What town do you live in? Ridgefield

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: I’m a high school English teacher. I currently teach AP English Literature at Dwight Global Online School, where I have worked since 2019. I have been an English teacher for 14 years. Before Dwight Global, I taught in public schools in New York and California.

Family: Yes! I’ve been married to my husband Jason for 16 years, and we have two wonderful boys: Thomas, age 14 and Lucas, age 11. We have lived in Ridgefield for almost 10 years.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: No

Why are you seeking this office? I have spent my life in schools, and education is where I belong. I feel called to do this work in our community because I’m passionate about children, I love teachers, and I love Ridgefield. I believe we are in a moment right now where we all have to find ways to raise our hands and get engaged, and what better way to do that than on the local, community level? Whatever time and energy I have to give, I want to put it towards making sure school is a place where all of our children feel safe, valued, and successful.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: The single most pressing issue facing our town is the mental and emotional health of our children and teens. We are living in contentious times, and our children face an incredible amount of pressure. RPS is already doing so much good work in this area, but if I am elected, I intend to ask tough questions in an effort to understand more about what we already do well, and what we can do to improve. Every child should come to school feeling as though they have at least one adult who truly sees and understands them, and I want to hear directly from kids and families about how they are feeling in school each day and examine what we can be doing to make sure they are getting what they need.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I believe I offer a unique lens because of the many “hats” I have worn, both in my own career, and as a parent in Ridgefield. I have worked as a teacher and administrator in several different educational environments, worked as a substitute teacher here in Ridgefield, and been a PTA leader in town since 2018. I have a 9th grader and a 6th grader, and due to my involvement in the schools, I have had a very close view of how our district has evolved over the last several years. I have attended and spoken at several BOE and other town board meetings, and have a strong depth of understanding of the issues facing our district. My experience across so many levels of the educational landscape allows me to see each challenge facing RPS from a variety of perspectives that is unique compared to other candidates.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? I have seen so many improvements in our curriculum and special services departments over the past several years. I intend to stay focused on those areas, in addition to mental and emotional health. There are still opportunities for growth that can be examined to ensure that our schools meet the needs of all children, while also ensuring that Ridgefield residents’ tax dollars are used responsibly.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? From the time I began my career as a 22-year old New York City Teaching Fellow, I have never shied away from challenges. In addition to teaching, I worked as a Dean of Students in NYC Public Schools, and an Assistant Principal in Oakland, CA early in my career. Through these experiences, I learned to be compassionate in my approach to students, while still holding them to the highest possible standard and encouraging them to strive to meet their goals, whatever they may be. I learned a great deal about the complex challenges facing public schools, and about the importance of meeting kids where they are, in order to urge them forward.

As a PTA member and leader in Ridgefield, I learned so much from my fellow parents about the joys and fears of parenting in our world today. I learned to listen to perspectives different from my own, and to encourage other PTA leaders to find common ground and galvanize around important issues facing our community. Along with fellow PTA volunteers, I also created and developed enrichment opportunities for students at Branchville Elementary that didn’t exist previously, such as Parent/Child Book Club, Family History Fair, and visits from The Prospector Theater and The Center for Empowerment and Education. Some of these events and programs have since spread to other schools in our district as well. I’m grateful for the partnership of the other parents, teachers, and administrators I’ve worked with, who have taught me about the power of working together in the service of community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? Once, when I received some criticism that resulted in self-doubt, a friend said to me, “Just remember, you know who you are and what you’re about.” That was wonderful advice because it reminded me to stay true to myself and my values, even when someone disagrees with me or disapproves. I can listen to feedback and make adjustments, but staying grounded in the idea of being true to myself remains an incredibly helpful guide.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I believe that my track record in Ridgefield and in my career demonstrates that children and their needs are at the center of everything I do. Our children must feel a sense of belonging in school in order to be able to access their education, and I will always advocate for that sense of belonging for all. Further, as a PTA leader in this community, I have shown that I can be both a leader and a collaborator; I can listen and learn from a variety of voices and perspectives, and apply my unique understanding of how schools work to the decisions that come to the board table. If I am elected, Ridgefield residents can be sure that I will put in the work to live up to the demands of this incredibly important role.