Patch Candidate Profile: Veronica Chiavaroli For Greenwich Board Of Education

GREENWICH, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Candidate's Name:
Veronica Chiavaroli

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Greenwich

Campaign Website
https://greenwichdemocrats.org

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
I am a former teacher and spent more than ten years in the classroom.

Family:
I am married to my wonderful husband Matthew. We have three children, Nicolas (8), Lucas (6) and Carolina (2).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
My father, Hector Arzeno, is a state representative for the 151st district in Connecticut.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have not ever held a public office.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for the Board of Education because my professional background as a teacher gives me the experience and perspective needed for the important work ahead. As a Greenwich native and graduate of Greenwich High School, I also understand our town and its schools on a personal level. There is significant work to be done in the coming term, and I am eager to bring my energy, commitment, and dedication to strengthening Greenwich Public Schools.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the increasing budget pressure and the recent cuts, and this is what I intend to do about it. I plan to work closely and collaboratively with the Board of Estimate and Taxation. My goal is to present clear, concise, and data-driven information that supports the Greenwich Public Schools budget. I will ask questions, listen carefully, and work with all members of the BET to ensure our schools have the resources they need to operate effectively—while also being mindful of the town’s overall financial responsibilities. This will require thoughtful consideration, collaboration, and hard work, which I am fully prepared to take on.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
What sets me apart from the other candidates is my background. As the only former teacher running for a new seat on the Board of Education, I bring firsthand experience and perspective from the classroom that will guide my work and decision making.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
First and foremost, I intend to address any issue that comes before the Board and requires thoughtful consideration. My top priority is to work collaboratively with the Board of Estimate and Taxation to reach a budget agreement that properly funds our schools while remaining mindful of the town’s overall costs. In addition, I would like to focus on supporting teacher morale across the district and take a closer look at our PreK program to ensure we have the appropriate space, staffing, and resources to meet the needs of all students.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I hold masters degrees in General and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York City and in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University. I grew up in Greenwich and am a proud graduate of Greenwich High School. Currently, I have two children in Greenwich Public Schools, one in general education and one in special education. I serve as the Special Education Support Co-Chair for Greenwich Public Schools and I am on the First Selectman’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. In addition, I am a member of the Julian Curtiss School Building Committee and serve on the Alumni Advisory Council at Greenwich Country Day School.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
You can learn more by listening than by speaking.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Along with Bob Chaney, I am honored to be one of the endorsed candidates for the Board of Education, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve in this important role.