2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Paul Grabowski, Vernon Board Of Education

VERNON, CT — Paul Grabowski is running for a school board seat in Vernon.

Candidate's Name:
Paul Grabowski

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Vernon

Campaign Website
https://vernondemocrats.org

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Attorney 10 years

Family:
I live in Vernon with my wife Lauren, and two young children Luke (7) and Lily (3).

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I currently serve as Chair of the Vernon Board of Education and have been in office since 2023.

Why are you seeking this office?
I want to be a voice for Vernon families. I've lived in Vernon for 15 years, and I'm committed to serving the community and helping improve our schools. Having two young children, one with special needs, I feel an incredible sense of urgency to ensure that our school system provides the best education possible for children of all backgrounds and abilities.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The cost of living. It's getting harder and harder for families to earn a living and live a quality life. The school budget is a large part of the Town's overall budget, and in order to responsibly grow our schools we need strategic data driven decision making. I'm dedicated to improving our schools and will do the hard work to make sure we plan responsibly for the future and make targeted interventions.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am 100% dedicated and invested in our school system. I also have a unique perspective as a parent of a child with a disability. I understand how hard it is to get the services your child needs and how frustrating the system can be. I want to make things better, and I feel the urgency of a parent who knows how quickly our kids grow up. Our children deserve the best, and I will work tirelessly to improve our schools.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Our school infrastructure is in desperate need of a long-term vision. It's time to start thinking about the future of Vernon schools, and I want to make sure our facilities will last for years to come. Our kids and teachers deserve better classrooms, libraries and gyms.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My career has been dedicated to public service. I work for the State of Connecticut and manage a unit of the legal division at the Department of Consumer Protection, I'm proud of the work we do to protect Connecticut residents. On the Board of Education, I've worked to expand Pre-K, with the goal of universal Pre-K, and I've worked to expand social and emotional supports for our children at all schools.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
To learn to listen. If you want to really help someone you need to listen to their concerns and try to understand where they are coming from.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
It has been an honor to serve as chair of the Board of Education for the last two years. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly. If I am re-elected, I will put in the hard work needed to improve our schools and help build up our community.