Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by the seven Westport signatories below.

As former PTA presidents from all school levels townwide, we’ve spent years partnering with teachers, administrators, elected officials and families in support of our public schools. We’ve seen how engaging leadership, open communication, and responsible oversight can make a district thrive. With this in mind, the seven of us are endorsing Jodi Harris and Stephen Shackelford for seats on the Board of Education in the upcoming election. 

There are many things to be proud of in our school district, and the Administration and current BOE deserves credit for maintaining our academic excellence and addressing some of our critical infrastructure needs. 

But we are Westport, and we can do many things (and do them well) at the same time. School parents should be able to trust that the Administration will listen to and fairly evaluate their concerns, acting in ways that strengthen families’ confidence in its processes and policies. The BOE should ensure that the Administration does so, but there have been instances recently where that has not been the case. The Administration’s partnership with the parents has suffered and we need BOE members who are committed to repairing this critical dynamic.

Both Jodi and Stephen are deeply rooted in Westport with an impressive record of volunteerism to our schools and community. Their commitment to restoring balance, independence and respect to diverse viewpoints on the Board is essential. They believe that respectful debate and thoughtful oversight only strengthens our reputation as a lighthouse district.  

We appreciate the specifics of their campaign platform which highlights concerns that many of us and our school parents have shared for years:

• Facilities: Jodi and Stephen support a long-term, transparent facilities plan, including creative public-private partnerships to fund major needs responsibly.
• Special Education: Families continue to face inconsistency and frustration navigating the system. They propose creating a special-education ombudsman to ensure families are heard and disputes are resolved constructively, reducing unnecessary legal costs. We are excited about this proposal and think it will be meaningful in addressing  the concerns of our many SPED families. 
• Teachers and Staff: Limited paraprofessional support is straining classrooms. Jodi and Stephen will strongly urge the Administration to reallocate resources where they are needed most — in direct support of teaching and learning.
• Transparency and Accountability: More of the Board’s work should occur in public, with open dialogue and meaningful community input and engagement. Parents deserve clear answers, not closed-door decisions.

Jodi’s and Stephen’s campaign is about our community’s shared values, not politics. Their campaign grew out of an understanding that in order to truly address the concerns of our school families and greater community, the BOE needed fresh voices and new perspectives.  In the middle of summer, they got to work—reaching out to hundreds of Westporters. They earned their place on the ballot. Jodi and Stephen are independent thinkers who do their homework, listen to others, and make informed, balanced decisions. That’s exactly what our Westport schools need.

This Tuesday, please vote for Jodi Harris and Stephen Shackelford (Boxes 6a and 7a) for the Westport Board of Education.  

Sincerely,

• Candace Banks,  RTM Representative District 6, Former PTA Council Co-President, Former Long Lots PTA Co-President, Tulip Lane
• Elena Caggiano, Former PTA Council Co-President, Former Staples and Greens Farms Elementary PTA Co-President, Compo Pkwy
• Carolyn Caney, Former PTA Council Co-President, Former Long Lots PTA Co-President, Dorchester Drive
• Lisa Hill, Former Long Lots PTA Co-President, Moss Ledge Rd.
• Sandra Krenzer, Former Long Lots PTA Co-President, Forest Drive
• Netta Levy, Former Staples and Coleytown Middle PTA Co-President, Blue Ribbon Drive
• Amie Peck, Former Bedford Middle & Saugatuck Elementary PTA Co-President, Sugar Maple Lane