New Faces, New Roles: Norwalk Board of Education Kicks Off 2026

The Norwalk Board of Education kicked off the new year with significant changes, electing new leaders during their first meeting of 2026. The meeting took place at the Norwalk Public Schools headquarters on Concord Street.

New Leadership Elected

Chair

• Howard White was selected as the new chair after a close vote.
• 5 board members voted for him.
• Mary Ellen Flaherty-Ludwig nominated him.

Vice Chair

• Sherri McCready-Pritchett received 4 votes but was not elected vice chair.
• She declined the offer when it was extended to her.
• No other nominations were made for the role.

Secretary

• Ashley Gulyas was unanimously elected as the new secretary.
• Mary Ellen Flaherty-Ludwig nominated her.
• All board members voted in favor of her appointment.

New and Returning Board Members

• The meeting welcomed new and returning board members.
• Rick McQuaid, the town clerk, swore them in.
• He also congratulated the new mayor, Barbara Smyth.
• He thanked outgoing board members for their service.

Looking Ahead

• This meeting marked the first of the year, setting the tone for the board's work in 2026.
• The new leaders will guide the board's decisions.
• The board will focus on education and community needs.