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

The Norwalk Board of Education started the year with some changes. They picked new leaders during their first meeting of 2026. The meeting was held at the Norwalk Public Schools headquarters on Concord Street. Howard White is the new chair. He got the job after a close vote. Five board members voted for him. Mary Ellen Flaherty-Ludwig nominated him. The other nominees were Sherri McCready-Pritchett. She got four votes but did not become vice chair. She turned down the offer. No one else was nominated for the role.Ashley Gulyas is the new secretary. Everyone on the board voted for her. Mary Ellen Flaherty-Ludwig nominated her. The meeting also welcomed new and returning board members. The town clerk, Rick McQuaid, swore them in. He also congratulated the new mayor, Barbara Smyth. He thanked the outgoing board members for their service. The meeting was the first of the year. It set the stage 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.