Submitted by Veronica Chiavaroli
I am running for Board of Education in Greenwich because it represents two areas I know and love deeply – Greenwich and education. I earned my master’s degrees in both general and special education from Bank Street College of Education, while simultaneously completing a master’s in clinical social work from Columbia University. Since then, I’ve taught in general and special education classrooms in Connecticut and New York City. Today, I’m a proud alum of Greenwich High School and a parent of two children enrolled in Greenwich Public Schools (GPS).
My professional journey has placed me on both sides of the school pick-up line. I’ve been the parent waiting in the car line with snacks in hand after a long day, and I’ve also been the teacher helping tired students onto their bus before heading back inside to clean up the classroom, prepare tomorrow’s lessons, and respond to the day’s emails. This dual perspective gives me a deep understanding of the challenges and needs within our school community: These are insights I am eager to bring to the Board of Education (BOE).
Greenwich needs energized and forward-thinking leaders to build upon work that has already been done. I plan to collaborate with all members of our community including elected officials, GPS employees, and volunteers, to create programs that strengthen our children’s education and provide students the support they need to reach their full potential.
As a teacher running for BOE and as a mother of children in both general and special education, I understand the importance of developing programs and policies that support teachers, consider families, and allow children to thrive. My involvement on the Julian Curtiss School Building Committee and as Special Education Support Co-Chair under the PTA Council has given me valuable insight into the inner workings of GPS. I also serve on the First Selectman’s ADA Advisory Advocacy Committee for People with Disabilities, where I collaborate with a diverse group of individuals to make inclusive, thoughtful decisions that benefit all members of our community.
My approach is simple: I listen. I want to learn what’s working and what isn’t across different schools and grade levels. I plan to identify principal concerns among teachers, administrators, and parents, beyond what I already know. When schools, and more specifically teachers, have the support they need, our kids succeed. Our public schools offer an exceptional curriculum, and our students spend more time on literacy and math than many of their private school peers. In order to keep this standard high, we must give teachers the tools and resources they need while minimizing distractions.
I’m ready to bring my experience to the Board of Education. Election Day is November 4.