Patch Candidate Profile: Dennis LoDolce For Stamford Board Of Education

STAMFORD, 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 the city.

Candidate's Name:
Dennis LoDolce

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Stamford

Campaign Website
https://www.dennisforboe.com

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Manager's Assistant (City of Stamford)

Family:
Yes, I do. I come from a big family that has always called Stamford home. My family has owned and operated Curley’s Diner for over 50 years. It’s more than just a restaurant, it’s a part of our community where generations of families have come together.

I’m very close with my mother, my brothers, my twin sister, and my grandmother, and I’m blessed with a large extended family whose roots span Colombia, Venezuela, Tunisia, Guatemala, Italy, Greece, and Puerto Rico. Growing up in such a diverse and hardworking family taught me the value of community, service, and respect for all cultures.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Yes, both all my siblings are municipal workers between the City of Stamford and the Town of Greenwich

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
N/a

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m a proud Stamford native who attended Stamford Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. A graduate of Westhill High School, I was captain of the football team and a active member of the JROTC program.

I hold two bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Public Administration, as well as a Master of Public Administration from Cornell University.

Now, I’m running for the Board of Education because I care deeply about our community and believe that strong schools are the foundation of a thriving city. With the current state of our schools, it’s clear we need to change course. We can’t keep doing the same things and expect better results for our students.

My priorities are clear:

Accountability: We need a superintendent with a proven track record who genuinely cares about Stamford. I believe the superintendent’s salary should be tied to measurable benchmarks set by the Board of Education.

Academic Success: We must refocus on academic excellence by bringing back midterms and finals in upper grades to better prepare students for college and careers.

Community Trust: As a board member, I will make myself available. I’ll meet regularly with the public, and I will ensure every person who reaches out to the board gets a response.

I’m running because I believe Stamford’s future starts with our schools, and our students deserve the best.

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 the academic performance of Stamford’s students, reflected in persistent achievement gaps and declining proficiency rates. Recent SBAC data shows Stamford scored 54.3 in math and 57.9 in reading, both well below Connecticut’s averages of 60.2 and 63.9, and far short of the state target of 75. Additionally, 56% of Black and 60% of Hispanic K–3 students scored below literacy benchmarks. Compounding this challenge, 22.4% of students were chronically absent last year, more than four times the state target.

To address this, I believe Stamford must focus on Standards, Accountability, and Trust (SAT).

Standards: We must raise expectations by reinstating midterms and finals to ensure students are mastering material and are prepared for advanced academic or career pathways.

Accountability: The superintendent’s performance—and a portion of their salary—should be tied to measurable benchmarks, including reducing absenteeism and raising proficiency rates. We also need transparent reporting on how resources are allocated, from tutoring and intervention programs to updated learning materials.

Trust: Rebuilding trust requires open communication with families and educators. I propose creating a parent–BOE liaison committee and holding regular community forums so families can provide structured feedback and have a real voice in shaping our schools.

Finally, the superintendent and Board must actively advocate for additional state funding to strengthen resources, improve mental health supports, and ensure every student—regardless of background—has the tools to succeed.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have great respect for all the candidates running and believe we share a common goal of improving Stamford’s schools. What sets me apart is my firsthand experience in Stamford Public Schools and my academic and professional background in public administration.

As someone who attended Stamford schools from K–12, I understand the challenges and strengths of our district from a student’s perspective. Combined with my education in Political Science and Public Administration and a Master of Public Administration from Cornell University, I bring a results-oriented approach to governance—focused on accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes.

My training allows me to analyze budgets, evaluate programs, and ensure that resources are used effectively to improve student performance.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Another key issue I intend to address during my campaign is rebuilding trust between the Board of Education, parents, teachers, and the community. Over time, communication has broken down, leaving many families and teachers feeling unheard and disconnected from the decisions that affect their children. I believe transparency and consistent engagement are essential to restoring that trust. As a board member, I’ll work to ensure that every family’s voice is valued, through regular public forums, and clear communication from the board.

Equally important is the superintendent search. Our next superintendent must be a proven leader who values transparency, welcomes accountability, and understands the unique needs of our community. Stamford families deserve a leader who brings both experience and genuine investment in our city—someone ready to act, not experiment. The new superintendent must present a clear, results-driven plan to improve student outcomes, strengthen core academics, and rebuild trust across our district. If elected, I will ensure that the community plays an active role in this process, because every parent, student, and educator deserves to have their voice heard and respected in shaping the future of Stamford’s schools.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
While I haven’t previously held public office, my track record of responsiveness and community involvement reflects my commitment to public service and accountability. I make it a priority to listen to everyone who reaches out because every concern, question, or idea from the community matters.

Beyond my academic experience, my active community service, and working in my family's small business has kept me connected to the people and values that make Stamford strong. I believe leadership starts with listening, and that responsiveness and follow-through are what build trust. Those qualities are exactly what I will bring to the Board of Education.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
"A leader may not have all the answers, but they need to recognize it when they hear it."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
What I want voters to know most is that I care deeply about this community because it’s the one that raised me. I’m a proud product of Stamford Public Schools, and I want every child here to have the same chance to succeed that I did. This city has given so much to my family and now it’s my turn to give back.

I’m running because I believe our schools can do better, and our students deserve better. Every number in a report represents a child with dreams, potential, and a future that depends on the choices we make today. I want to be a voice for families who feel unheard, for teachers who feel unsupported, and for students who need someone to support them. Stamford is my home, and I’m committed to making it better, one student at a time.