Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter to ask the people of New Canaan to vote for Lauren Connolly Nussbaum for the Board of Education.
My family and I moved to New Canaan seven months ago. My autistic 6-year-old son needed a new school that would meet his needs. It is well known that NCPS is outstanding for both general education and special education. My top priority as a special needs parent was the culture and climate of the community, so I started doing my research.
I spoke with many mothers of local towns but I felt unsure of where my family would fit. Then I was introduced to Lauren Connolly Nussbaum. I explained to Lauren that I was looking for a hometown that would accept my son for who he is, see him, include him and, above all, just be kind to him. Lauren’s love for this town spoke volumes. She shared her own story about her daughter who also received special education support. The story of her family’s journey with her daughter was sincere and real. We had only just met and she was connecting with me on a level that no one else had. I felt like my family already had support in New Canaan. Lauren said two words that solidified my choice: “community” and “acceptance”. That conversation was all it took to make my life-changing decision.
New Canaan is our home now and we are thrilled. My son is learning and making a contribution. He is surrounded by typical peers that get excited when they see him and include him. It was the best decision we have ever made. Now I want to support this town and help continue its growth and success.
New Canaan has an opportunity to add value with Lauren on the BOE. She has a unique lens and can relate to ALL families with various goals. There are 4175 students in New Canaan. As an alumni of high-ranking schools, Lauren can relate to the elite students of this district and will continue to support them. Additionally, she has the mindset to speak for the rest of the students within the average range, the 500 students with special education support, and students with 504s. Lauren knows that successful schools start with BOE leaders who collaborate with the community as well as the schools administration, faculty and staff. She understands the processes of special education and has experience working with an array of NCPS administrators and teachers.
It is so important to have people like Lauren on the BOE. As an active listener and significant volunteer and leader, she will bring heart and community. The goal of any BOE is to improve each year in all areas. New Canaan stands out, not only as having the best schools, but having a strong community behind it that comes together to make things right. Lauren is a huge proponent of that theme and will bring it to the BOE.
Sincerely yours,
Lauren Tarzia
