‘My Work Is Done’—

Lisa Schwartz Resigns From The School Board

By John Voket &

Eliza Hallabeck

Not long after her family relocated to Newtown more than a dozen years ago, Lisa Schwartz began her career of elected service. Starting as a two-term council member, Ms Schwartz then transitioned to the Board of Education where she served another eight years, part of the time as vice chairman.

That term of public service ended quietly this week following her resignation from the school board. Ms Schwartz took the time to phone each fellow board member personally to relate her decision before officially filing a brief letter of resignation with the town clerk’s office and first selectman May 27.

During an upbeat conversation with The Bee later in the week, Ms Schwartz said it was no secret among her friends and Democratic party contacts that her decision was a long time coming.

“I thought I might leave last year,” she said. “My son graduated high school, my husband retired, and we were facing lots of life changes.”

But more recently, Ms Schwartz said, she was exceedingly challenged to muster the energy she needed to best serve the board.

“I just didn’t have the energy like I did eight years ago,” she said, “and I started thinking maybe I’m not contributing as much as I should anymore.”

She said the trifecta of seeing a new superintendent hired, the passing of the high school expansion project, and the resounding approval of the 2008 budget signaled that now was the time. Ms Schwartz resigned ahead of the brief process of the school board selecting a seventh member, a new charter mandate that passed in the same referendum as the high school expansion and town budget.

The remaining five members unanimously approved school board transportation subcommittee member Lorraine Santore Tuesday evening (see related story).

“It became an opportunity when the board was picking a seventh member. I hope it’s not projected as sour grapes,” Ms Schwartz said. “I thought this was a positive for the town. I see it as symbolic of the old guard making way for the new guard.”

Board Chair Elaine McClure called Ms Schwartz a hard worker who “did everything with 110 percent dedication.”

 “I think the entire board will miss her,” she said. “The town of Newtown was lucky to have such a dedicated person.”

Anna Wiedemann said while she did not know the departing vice chairman well, the relative newcomer to the board knew that leaving was a hard decision for Ms Schwartz to make.

“I have a lot of respect for her integrity,” said Ms Wiedemann, “because in fairness, she would not be working with the person we were interviewing for the new position. [Now] we get to do this all over again.”

Lillian Bittman said Ms Schwartz had confided that she was growing tired, but she will consider her vice chair’s departure in a positive light.

“It’s an opportunity to find another person who is as kind and dedicated to the community,” Ms Bittman said, adding that she always regarded Ms Schwartz as a wonderful person with a great mind. “She is very kind and loving to the parents and the district. We are going to miss her a lot.”

David Nanavaty said he has known Ms Schwartz for 12 years, and was initially surprised to hear about her resignation. “It’s a difficult loss,” said Mr Nanavaty. “And what’s the old saying? She’s left some difficult shoes to fill.”

He agreed that it can be stressful being on the Board of Education, but acknowledged that Ms Schwartz has “always done a wonderful job.”

Kathryn Fetchick said Ms Schwartz talked about resigning a couple months ago, but she chose to stay on the board. “I don’t know her personally, but I know how hard she works,” said Ms Fetchick.

Ms Fetchick said that the timing of Ms Schwartz leaving — as a new member selection process was beginning — seemed to be the right moment for the vice chair to step down.

“She gave the board the opportunity to pick a new board member,” Ms Fetchick said, “and I respect her because of that.”

Ms Schwartz believes she is leaving the board in good hands, and said she will not lose touch with the goings on at the school district .

“I will miss it,” she said. “I don’t envision myself going to school board meetings and sitting out there in the audience, but I will still stay informed.”

She said her eight years on the board gave her the chance to work on issues large and small, and to meet some of the most interesting and dynamic people. But she said one of the things she will miss most is handing out diplomas during the annual high school graduation ceremony.

“There hasn’t been one that I haven’t cried at, even the first one where I didn’t know anyone,” she said. “You know there’s something very emotional about watching those beautiful fresh faces walk across the stage — that’s why we do it. You play some small role in the life of each student, which is very meaningful.”

Looking forward, Ms Schwartz said she will be switching gears from public education to public health. She will be taking on a more active role supporting Kevin’s Community Center (KCC), Newtown’s local free clinic for the under- and uninsured.

“I love the whole concept of KCC and what Dr Taweh has done,” she said of the clinic’s founder.

Since Ms Schwartz was an elected Democrat, the party will present one or more interested members to be considered for the open seat in the coming weeks. Ms McClure said once the Democratic Town Committee makes its recommendations, her board will have to start interviewing again.

“I believe we have 30 days from yesterday to fill the position,” Ms McClure said Wednesday.

Democrats interested in serving on the Board of Education should call Jim Juliano at 426-0065.