The signatures have been gathered and verified. Today, Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris launched their campaign for the Board of Education.
Though running as Democrats, the pair were not endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee. Those nods went to incumbent Abby Tolan and Lauren Karpf, deputy moderator of the Representative Town Meeting. Earlier this month, Karpf left the race, to seek re-election to the RTM. The DTC has decided not to replace her on the ticket.
The Republicans have nominated 4 candidates: incumbent Dorie Hordon, plus Michelle Hopson, Andy Frankel and Kaitlin Zucaro.
Board of Ed members serve staggered terms, so not every seat will be contested in November. There are currently 4 Democrats, 2 Republicans and 1 unaffiliated member on the board. Because by law one party can have only a bare majority — 4 seats — on the 7-member BOE, only 2 of the 3 Democrats could be elected. All 4 Republicans, however, could get the voters’ nod.
Shackelford is an attorney, and former RTM member. Harris recently completed a term as Staples High School PTA co-president. They say:
Today, on the first day of school, we’re excited to officially launch our campaign. Like so many families, including our own, we’re feeling that familiar mix of promise and excitement as our kids head off to another year in Westport’s public schools. It’s a powerful reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a community with exceptionally dedicated teachers, staff, coaches and administrators.
Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris.
Over the coming months we look forward to meeting many more of you, hearing your perspectives, and sharing our ideas. To our students, parents, teachers, staff, coaches and administrators: We wish you a wonderful, rewarding school year.
And to our neighbors: We look forward to earning your trust and your vote this November.
Shackelford and Harris’s Instagram — with information on their principles and plans — is @HarrisShackelfordBOE. Their email is harris.shackelford@gmail.com.
The website for the Democratic Town Committee can be found here. The website for the Republican Town Committee can be found here.
Great to hear. It’s definitely time for a change. Good luck.
Change is good. Welcome! Here’s to hoping you have the courage to stand up to the superintendent unlike the current BOE. Good luck!
Hi Dan, could you elaborate on who are the incumbent BOE members who are in the middle of their terms, and those who are not seeking re-election this year? Thanks!
Sure! There are 3 members in the middle of their terms, which expire in 2027, so they will remain: Lee Goldstein (chair, Democrat); Neil Phillips (secretary, Democrat), and Jill Dillon (unaffiliated).
There are 4 seats that are contested this time around. They belong to Kevin Christie (Democrat), who is running instead for 1st selectman; Robert Harrington (Republican, not renominated by the Republican Town Committee), and Democrat Abby Tolan and Republican Dorie Hordon, who are both running to retain their seats.
Does Westport ever host debates amongst the individuals running to better understand their positions?
The League of Women Voters of Westport will host debates on Oct 27 and 28 at the Library for the BOE, Selectmen, BOF, P&Z candidates. It will also host community conversations. The calendar can be found at LWVwestport.org or follow the LWVwestport on Instagram.
There will be several. The League of Women Voters is sponsoring one, for sure.