Submitted by Laura Kostin, Democratic candidate for BOE
Voters deserve to cast their ballots in November for a candidate with a proven track record of success guiding the Greenwich Public Schools. That’s who I am because I put our students first. I’m a results-driven person by nature, and I believe applying that results-driven mindset to my Board service is what is helping drive achievement.
Advancing student achievement and deepening the learning of our students is my job #1. In early 2023, I voted to pass a 5-year Strategic Plan, months of hard work in the making. It is a roadmap for student success. It was the right approach and exactly the right time. We know because it is working. Achievement scores are up for students across the board. We’re not Top 10 in Connecticut anymore, We’re Top 5! I won’t stop working until we’re #1.
The Greenwich Public Schools curriculum is first-rate, and it doesn’t happen by accident. It takes thoughtful, deliberate action by the Board of Education and GPS Administration so our amazing teachers have the tools they need. It’s a job I take seriously. Rankings don’t lie. Greenwich Public Schools are Rated A+, according to Niche. Greenwich High School and three of our elementary schools were also singled out for distinction.
Our school buildings should match our amazing curriculum. I’m proud to say that I’ve voted in support of all our vital building projects: the secure entryway for GHS, the renovation and expansion of Old Greenwich School and the phased renovation of Julian Curtiss School. I also voted in support of the Education Specifications for Riverside School, where a Building Committee is forming to get that project going.
All these important projects were urgently needed, but perhaps none more urgently than Central Middle School, which was shut down for safety reasons. When that happened, my fellow Board members and I quickly approved funding for needed repairs and set swiftly to work on Education Specifications for a new school. Once they were approved, I joined the CMS Building Committee to help guide the construction of the new school, the biggest capital project in our Town’s history. I’m proud to say we’re on track to deliver a new school in budget and on time, for students to start school in the new building for the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.
I’m beyond excited to be running for re-election to the Board of Education to continue delivering results for our students, staff and community. Whether you are a school-parent or not, you know that everyone in our Town has a vested interest in public schools that are strong, vibrant places to learn and grow. Despite the headwinds facing the Greenwich Public Schools and the Board of Education, I have pressed decisively forward, undaunted and with purpose, because there is no more solemn duty I have as member of the BOE than to guide the education of our students. Collaboration is key in this process, and it is in that spirit that I hope to continue serving.
I am asking for your vote. You can find me, Laura K, on Row A!
Bio: I am a mom of four great kids; two GPS graduates and two younger ones still enrolled in the district. I’ve lived in Greenwich for over 20 years. In addition to serving on the Board of Education and the Central Middle School Building Committee, I am the liaison to PTA Council and a member of the Distinguished Teacher Awards Committee, which acknowledges outstanding educators across the district. Prior to serving on the BOE, I was elected to two terms on the RTM, our local legislative body and unanimously elected to serve on North Street School PTA Board. In my television career, I have worked as a producer at CNBC, CNN and MSNBC, as well as a local TV anchor at RNNTV.