An informed electorate is the greatest bulwark of democracy.
Westporters understand this is a very important election. “06880” is doing our part, to help Westporters understand candidates’ perspectives on a variety of issues.
Once a week, between now and Election Day, we’ve asked the men and women running for 3 important boards — Selectmen/women, Planning & Zoning, and Education — one specific question.
We’ve printed their responses verbatim.
This week’s question — the final one — for the Board of Education is:
This is your chance to send your message to Westport voters – to seal the deal. What do you want them to know about you, your plans, and yourself? Go for it!
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Republican Party-endorsed candidates Dorie Hordon (incumbent), Michelle Hopson, Andy Frankel and Kaitlin Zucaro say:
First, we want to thank “06880” for giving all candidates the opportunity to share their views on these important topics.
In our many conversations across town, we’ve seen firsthand the stark difference between how the loudest online voices describe our community and how most Westporters actually feel. The sharp, hyper-partisan commentary of a few regular keyboard warriors does not reflect the thoughtful, engaged residents we meet every day or their most pressing concerns, from AI to facilities to student outcomes to special education.
From left: Michelle Hopson, Dorie Hordon, Kaitlin Zucaro, Andy Frankel.
Like the 4 of us, most of our neighbors want an end to performative politics and bickering over past grievances. As for soccer, they simply want to celebrate Staples’ amazing FCIAC championship this week!
Westporters want a Board of Education that listens to all constituents, and works constructively with the administration in pursuit of the district’s mission: “To prepare all students by fostering critical and creative thinking and collaborative problem solving through a robust curriculum delivered by dedicated, inspiring educators.”
Because Dan asked for single responses from our slate for this column, we haven’t yet had much opportunity to speak about ourselves individually.
Dorie Hordon is an experienced board member and trained educator who speaks her mind and tackles problems head on. She does not just ask tough questions—she follows through and gets results.
Andy Frankel brings many decades of legal experience and community service. He is a thoughtful advocate who listens, engages respectfully, and drives toward constructive solutions.
Michelle Hopson offers the combined perspective of a highly accomplished educator, and nonprofit executive with expertise spanning finance, operations and technology that strengthens people, programs and communities alike.
Kaitlin Zucaro is a dedicated mother and businesswoman. As the only candidate with children in elementary school, she brings a needed focus on the foundational years of learning and development.
What we all share is an ability to collaborate and a deep commitment to our schools — not to any national agenda, local faction or personal dispute.
Whether you identify as Republican, Democrat or Independent, we ask you to evaluate each candidate based on character, capability, and willingness to work together. We all have children in the school system, and want the board to focus on its mission so that Westport’s schools are as strong and successful as they can be.
On November 5th, we respectfully ask that you vote for us in this important election.
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Democratic Party-endorsed candidate Abby Tolan (incumbent) says:
It has been a privilege to serve Westport’s children, families and town on the Board of Education for the past 2 years. Academic excellence is and must remain the board’s primary focus.
Abby Tolan
Beyond that, 3 priorities now demand sustained leadership:
Facilities. For years, school maintenance was deferred in favor of other spending. Under superintendent Tom Scarice and the current board, we now have a comprehensive, prioritized facilities plan and have coordinated closely with funding bodies to avoid surprises. Modernization will be expensive, and we need experienced leadership to complete the work while preserving instructional excellence.
AI. We stand at the start of a major shift in education driven by artificial intelligence. As chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee, I intend to play a central role in implementing our Strategic Plan with AI in mind. Our meetings are public, and I welcome the community to engage in that work.
Mental Health. Students’ mental health remains a serious concern. Our administration sees a real decline in students’ ability to self-regulate. I believe, unlike some candidates, that explicit instruction in emotional regulation and broader social-emotional skills is necessary. These skills underpin both academic learning and students’ experience of school.
Running through all of these priorities is my commitment to special education, and all struggling learners. That commitment is not new; it is rooted in years of work as a SpEd parent and former PTA SpEd chair. I have spent countless hours advocating, mostly quietly and behind the scenes to protect privacy, and publicly at the Board table.
I respect anyone who steps off the sidelines to run. Still, after 2 public candidate forums, it is clear how limited many newcomers’ understanding is of the board’s work.
The $150 million budget is central to our charge, yet candidates could not point to specific changes beyond “add positions.” Stewardship requires collaboration with other governing bodies, and respect for finite taxpayer dollars. Likewise, when asked about policy, I was the only candidate to identify and propose a concrete change.
My record on the board and in our community shows one thing clearly, I am fully committed to Westport Public Schools and to every student we serve. I would be honored to earn your vote.
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Two Democrats will be on the ballot as petitioning candidates, having secured over 400 signatures. Jodi Harris and Stephen Shackelford say:
This election is about the heart of our community: our schools.
Westport deserves a Board of Education that governs confidently and independently. One that supports our superintendent, staff and students, but also sets clear goals, demands measurable results, and re-engages the community in solving real challenges.
Jodi Harris and Stephen Shackelford.
Our campaign has been about ideas, not ideology. Here’s what we’ll do:
1, Strengthen special education. Our special education families deserve clarity, consistency and timely communication. We propose a dedicated ombudsman to help parents navigate the process, and ensure concerns are addressed quickly and fairly.
2, Improve facilities and long-term planning. Westport needs an updated, comprehensive facilities plan that includes full budgets and realistic timelines, so we can make informed decisions about how, when and where to spend taxpayer money. Our approach to capital planning will be transparent and data-driven.
3. Activate public-private partnerships. Local foundations, nonprofits, businesses, families and alumni want to help. We will create a framework to turn their support for STEM, the arts, sustainability, sports and other programs into real, funded opportunities for our students, all while keeping core public values intact.
4. Rebuild trust through transparency. Every major initiative, academic or operational, should include measurable goals, timelines, and transparent progress updates.
While others have resorted to personal attacks and partisan mudslinging, our campaign has stayed focused on what matters. We believe voters are tired of the noise. This election should be about people, not politics. Our loyalty is to Westport and our students, not a political organization. We are independent Democrats running to strengthen our schools, not serve a party line.
Between us, we bring deep experience in law, communications, negotiation, strategic planning and community leadership. We know how to lead with confidence, clarity and cooperation.
On Election Day, voters can seat only 2 Democrats on the Board of Education. We ask that you vote for Jodi Harris and Stephen Shackelford. The remaining 2 spots cannot go to a Democrat, but these 2 additional votes are critical.
Westport has always thrived when good people step forward to lead with heart and humility. This is our moment to come together, as neighbors, to ensure Westport schools continue to set the standard for excellence in public education.
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Robert Harrington (incumbent) was not endorsed for re-election by the Republican Town Committee. He is running as a write-in independent candidate. He says:
I’m honored to have served Westport on the Board of Education for the past 4 years. I’m running for re-election as an unaffiliated, independent “write-in” candidate. I’m doing so because there’s still important, unfinished business — and because our schools need more tough questions, not fewer.
Please “write in” Robert Harrington, and “fill in the bubble” on line 5F (bottom of the ballot).
Our family’s connection to Westport Public Schools runs deep. My wife Claire is a longtime preschool teacher here. We met in high school, celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary last year, and both turn 50 this year. Our 4 children — George, Lily, Ella and Poppy — all went through Westport schools and are now studying in Wisconsin, Maine, London and Madrid.
Robert Harrington and family.
Campaigns reveal their values in how they close. In the past week, the Republican candidates have focused more on attacking opponents than offering clear ideas to strengthen our schools. They’ve criticized Stephen Shackleford and Jodi Harris for successful fundraising, and told voters how “complicated” the election is — yet have offered few specifics beyond vague mentions of “curriculum.” Ironically, they may prove less willing to challenge the status quo.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Town Committee has still not acknowledged 2 excellent Democratic candidates — Stephen and Jodi — who have run strong, independent-minded campaigns. I don’t blame the endorsed candidate, Abby Tolan, for this. Local party politics can be tough.
I will close by being transparent about 2 things: who I’m supporting, and what I stand for.
I’m putting the town and our students ahead of any party.
I am the only candidate publicly supporting candidates from both parties. I have enormous respect for my colleague and former running mate Dorie Hordon, and am supporting her again.
I’m also proud to endorse Democrats Stephen Shackleford and Jodi Harris. I trust them, respect them, and believe they’ll bring needed change and accountability to our schools.
My top priorities remain clear and unchanged:
1. Ask tough questions, and drive accountability.
2. Prioritize facilities — beyond Long Lots. CES is next. KHS needs modernization.
3. Rethink how we handle special education services — with a smarter, more effective approach and a fully independent ombudsman.
Our superintendent is a strong, talented leader. I’ve supported his work on facilities, the Strategic Plan, cell phone policy and AI. But I’ll continue pushing hard where we fall short. Accountability is how great schools stay great.
If you have questions, please reach out at robertharrington13@icloud.com or 203-916-2654. I’d be honored to continue serving Westport with independence, transparency and integrity.
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For last week’s “Where We Stand” responses, click here.
For the third “Where We Stand” responses, click here.
For the second “Where We Stand” responses, click here.
For the first “Where we Stand” responses, click here.
