Letter: 'Endorsement And Caution From Current BOE Member'

**This is a letter from a Patch reader, and not necessarily the opinion of Patch**

I am a mom, wife, daughter, homeowner, full time employee, volunteer, and member of the current Wilton BOE. I was interested in joining the BOE for two reasons: support our schools, our teachers and our children and help other families understand what was happening in our schools. I did not run for the BOE because I am a Republican. Unfortunately, after being on the BOE for 4 years, I am saddened to report that BOE has become a politically motivated board, run by someone who is divisive and partisan.

• November 3, 2022, at the BOE meeting, discussing an opening and how to temporarily fill it. I suggested we open the position to the community. The immediate response from the current chair was not to open the position due to political motive- fearful a Republican would take the spot.
• April 2023 the DTC, regarding Open Choice, stated “opposition based on fear and resentment of minorities"- stating that those of us who opposed Open Choice (due to unknown costs) were racist. There was an apology issued after pressure from a few BOE and BOS members- but the damage was done. The BOE Chair (who is a member of DTC) never issued an apology. After being denied/ignored by the BOE Chair to change the date 3 times due to the Easter Holiday, I was unable to attend the vote for Open Choice on April 7 -a decision that effects our district for 13 years. I was disheartened watching the way my fellow Republican was treated by other board members as she shared her concerns.
• October 12, 2023, the DTC shared ads on social media “Don’t let Republicans PARALYZE our schools”, “Republicans will bring the work of the BOE to a screeching halt”. Why such lies and political games? I reached out to the head of the Wilton DTC asking why can’t we celebrate ALL the parents running for the first time, willing to give their time to our sweet community and our children, teachers, and schools? He mentioned the supposed conflict of interest of Heather Priest and Mark Shaner. Again, politically motivated. I have a conflict of interest- as a mother to two children in our schools. I care deeply about our schools and our town, and I derive personal benefit from actions made by the BOE- as does everyone in this town who has children in our schools. Heather Priest and Mark Shaner are parents. Spouses. Full time employees. They would be awesome BOE members.

Please watch the meetings on November 3 and April 7 and watch the ugly politics before you decide to vote and watch how the current BOE Chair puts politics ahead of our town and our children. As a member of the BOE I can guarantee the BOE will NOT be as conflicted as the DTC claims if Heather and Mark are elected. This is an important vote. Choose wisely and best of luck to all the new candidates.

Mandi Schmauch