By Linda Conner Lambeck

WESTPORT–As is a school board tradition, two departing members of the seven-member panel received praise from their colleagues Thursday at their last meeting on the panel.

Kevin Christie, who on November 17 will be sworn in as the town’s First Selectman, was described as thoughtful, intellectual and deliberate.

Robert Harrington, who lost a write-in campaign to keep his seat after failing to receive the Republican endorsement for re-election, was called passionate and willing to take a stand.

Both were praised as dedicated public servants, albeit with very different styles.

Christie

Board Chair Lee Goldstein said she’s never met someone quite like Christie.

“We’re getting a First Selectman who is so thoughtful, intellectual and deliberate, but coming from a solid, moral core,” said Goldstein.

She called it astonishing to watch Christie, whose values, ethics and integrity, she said are on display in every situation and with every person he meets.

Board Secretary Neil Phillips said Christie modeled true civility. They worked side by side on the Facilities and Finance Committee. Christie also chaired the board’s Policy Committee.

 Harrington called the town lucky to have Christie in a top leadership role.

“The town of Westport and the board have benefited greatly from your attention to detail,”  Harrington told Christie.

“Nothing gets by this man,” said Board Member Jill Dillon of Christie. “He’s done his homework and research and is always prepared to talk on issues.”

Board Member Abby Tolan called Christie an active listener who hears what people have to say in an authentic way.

“I am sad we’re losing you on the board but excited for the town,” said Tolan.

Souleye Kebe, a student representative to the board, said he knew Christie before he became a rep because Christie served as a mentor to A Better Chance Westport, a program that brings a handful of deserving students from other parts of the country to Westport to attend Staples. Kebe, now a senior, has been part of the program since his freshman year.

 “Since the beginning I have known you as someone with great clarity of words and confidence.” Kebe said.

 Christie said his decision to leave the board in February was a hard one.

“I’m not going anywhere (really,)” Christie added, noting that his office will be just down the hall from Scarice’s at Town Hall.

Harrington

Like Christie, Harrington has served four years on the board.

Several members, however, said they have known Harrington longer, as he advocated for the schools.

Dillon said Harrington was a strong advocate for the budget during former School Superintendent Colleen Palmer’s tenure.

“Few follow up with action like you do,” said Dillion. “You taught me a lot about standing up for what you believe in.”

Despite their sometime public clashes, Goldstein said there has always been respect and affection between the two.

“Others might not see it, but we know,” said Goldstein.

Harrington, she added, was always passionate and always came from a truthful place.

“While we haven’t always agreed on some matters, we have found common ground on more that unites us than divides us,” Phillips said.

Tolan said she admired Harrington’s willingness to take feedback and for doing what he felt was right even if it meant going up against constituents and fellow board members.

For his part, Harrington congratulated the winners of the election, including Board Vice Chair Dorie Hordon, who was not at the meeting.

“I really loved being on the board for the last four years,” said Harrington, whose main goal was to push for major facilities projects. “Sometimes I said the wrong thing, took the wrong action … I have self-awareness for sure. Different people bring different styles and qualities. I think that is what makes boards effective.”

On core things that matter to Westport, he said he stood with the board in a non-negotiable way.

He also called his election loss, receiving 300 votes, humbling.

And he praised Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice, despite announcing publicly earlier this year he could not support the superintendent after the dismissal of three soccer coaches.

“We may have disagreed on one or two micro issues that mattered to me. In the big picture it paled in significance when you put it in the context of what you have brought to the district and continue to bring,” Harrington said.

 Harrington said he was proud to have supported Scarice on issues such as an Artificial Intelligence initiative and a planned leadership center.

“Keep being bold and bolder,” he told Scarice.