Patch Candidate Profile: Kathryn Graf 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:
Kathryn Graf

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Ridgefield

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
With over 11 years of experience as a CPA, including serving as an Audit Manager at Ernst & Young, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients - from Fortune 500 corporations to small non-profits. Beyond public accounting, I’ve held leadership roles at both public and pre-IPO companies, where I led technical accounting and compliance teams, and oversaw payroll and equity compensation programs. Since 2020, I’ve taken time to be home full-time with my two daughters: an experience that’s deepened my commitment to education, family, and community engagement.

Family:
My husband Ben and I have two girls, aged 7 and 5.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
Ridgefield is a special place. It’s a vibrant, welcoming community with a strong commitment to its schools, and it’s exactly where I want to raise my family. I’m running because I want to give back and apply my skills to something I care deeply about. With a background in accounting, I’m comfortable working with complex financial information and helping others understand how resources are being used. I believe that openness builds trust and leads to better decisions for everyone. As a parent with two young daughters, one already in Ridgefield Public Schools, I’m committed to supporting a strong, thoughtful, and responsible school system for all of our families.

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 my constituents is that the district’s five-year strategic plan is not clearly aligned with our district priorities and vision. This lack of alignment makes it harder to measure progress and make informed decisions. I intend to ask the tough questions, dig into the details, and help streamline how we present and communicate our financial health, so the community can clearly see how resources support our long-term goals and student success.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
One major difference I bring to this race is my experience working directly with Boards of public companies, where I gained firsthand knowledge in governance, compliance, and financial oversight. This taught me how to balance fiscal responsibility with practical, real-world outcomes.

I’ve spent years reviewing complex budgets, identifying inefficiencies, and asking the right questions to support sound decision-making. I’ve also negotiated contracts across areas like real estate, specialized services, and vendor relationships - always focused on ensuring value, quality, and long-term impact. These are the skills I would bring to the Board of Education to help ensure our resources are aligned with what matters most: student success.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Another issue I intend to address is the higher teacher turnover our district has been experiencing. Great teachers are the foundation of a strong school experience, and we need to make sure we’re not only recruiting the best, but also creating the conditions that encourage them to stay. Having managed payroll and equity compensation programs in my professional career, I understand how compensation, recognition, and support impact retention. This gives me a strong perspective to evaluate the issue with intent and help shape strategies that attract and retain high-quality educators committed to our students’ long-term success.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I bring a range of experiences that prepare me to serve effectively as a member of the Board of Education. Having worked both as an accountant serving clients and as an in-house professional, I understand how to collaborate from different perspectives.

I’ve led teams managing technical accounting, payroll, and equity compensation programs, handling complex financial systems and projects. I’ve also negotiated multi-million dollar audit fees and led requests for proposals with corporate providers, always focusing on securing the best value and quality for the organization. I regularly presented updates to Boards of Directors, which helped me learn how to explain complicated financial information clearly and build trust.

All of these experiences give me the ability to ask the right questions, provide clear guidance, and ensure transparency and accountability in overseeing the district’s resources.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
If you wouldn’t feel comfortable seeing it in the newspaper, you probably shouldn’t do it.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I’m here to apply my skills, listen carefully to parents and the community, and help ensure Ridgefield schools continue to deliver the highest quality education in the most responsible way.