Interview: BOE Candidate Deborah Low

Deborah Low, a Democratic candidate for the Weston Board of Education, has made a career of education, beginning as a teacher. She has served as a high school principal, assistant superintendent, and retired as superintendent of schools in Ridgefield.

Before moving to Weston, she was a member and chair of the Wilton Board of Education. Earlier this year, she was interim superintendent of Weston schools.

“Expectations for Weston schools are high,” said Ms. Low. “I’m impressed with the creative energy of parents. Their support is amazing.” She said she was “heartened by the welcome I received,” coming in as interim superintendent under “difficult circumstances.”

After retiring from Ridgefield, Ms. Low said she “loved being back at work” by joining the Wilton school board. “It was something I hadn’t done. It was different and challenging. Sometimes contentious, but very rewarding.”

What it takes

Ms. Low had several thoughts on attributes that make for an effective Board of Education member. “Be a good listener, be open to parents and community members. Be a fairly fast learner. Be willing to devote a lot of time. Be curious, and look at the long term.”

She also advised listening to critics. “There’s almost always a kernel of truth that’s valuable,” she said. Also, “the ability to work with others is important. Respect the system where everyone has equal air time and there will be a give and take.”

Facilities

Ms. Low said she feels a sense of urgency to address conditions at the middle school, “but you need to do it thoughtfully,” she said. “It will take a lot of time and energy, and many other things will be going on.”

She said the school board and administration will have to work collaboratively with the Town, keep the community informed, keep the process open, and gather input. “Ultimately,” she said, “the board has to present what it believes is the best approach.”

“You have to keep your taxpayer hat on,” said Ms. Low. “The community has to see that we’re not being frivolous. They have to conclude that we’re spending wisely and responsibly.”

“The most important thing about our schools is the quality of the teachers,” she said. “But you also need spaces that fit the needs of various age groups. You don’t want a facility that’s gloom and doom. People don’t want to send their kids to subpar schools.”

“I think the solution is out there, and lots of very smart people have been looking at it. But everyone wants to move forward, and it’s time.”

Educational outcomes

Educationally, “the board and administration have to always work to improve,” said Ms. Low. “We have to build a foundation for each student’s future and prepare them for what their careers will be.”

“It’s also very clear that social and emotional health intersect with the ability to learn. So that is part of it too.”

School board members “should dive into data,” said Ms. Low, not to fixate on certain numbers but to look for trends and ask questions. “Are there gaps? Do we have the right class sizes? Is special education keeping up? Are there alternative learning environments we can take advantage of?”

“We always need to look at where we are, where we need to be, and find ways to get there. We are very lucky to have a supportive community.”

Also see our interviews with Board of Education candidates Lisa Luft and Nicole Wallach.

Editor’s Note: Weston Today also invited Jason Lee, the Republican candidate for the Board of Education, to join us for an interview. Mr. Lee did not respond to our invitation.