Democrats Retain Complete Control of Lyme/Old Lyme BOE in High-Turnout Special Election

OLD LYME, CT – At a packed special election Tuesday, Democrat Marianne DeBruyn won the vacant seat on the Region 18 Board of Education in a decisive vote.

Of the 400 votes cast at the Old Lyme Special Town Meeting, 257 were for DeBruyn while Republican Brandy Campbell received 143.

The election filled the seat left vacant by Democrat Susan Fogliano’s June 26 resignation due to a pending move to Essex with husband Michael Fogliano.

Including DeBruyn, all nine members on the board are affiliated with, or endorsed by, the Democratic Party.

Campbell, in her speech before the vote, spoke about the need for a diversity of voices, ideas and values.

“Our board lacks that balance. Without a conservative voice, families who believe in parental involvement, fiscal responsibility, transparency, accountability and academic fundamentals often feel unheard,” she said. “I will bring that missing perspective. As a mother of actively enrolled children, I see the homework. I hear the classroom stories, and I feel the impact of every decision without having conflicts of interest or ties to teachers’ unions.”

She is a veterinarian and scientist with two children enrolled in Region 18 schools.

On Wednesday, Campbell called it an honor to represent minority constituents in the town and bring attention to the need for a policy change requiring minority representation, “so that all of our children in the school system are represented.”

While most boards and commissions in individual municipalities are subject to state minority representation rules aimed at preventing either of the major political parties from holding all seats, the rules don’t apply to regional boards of education.

Former board member Chris Staab, also a Republican, nominated Campbell with the hope of bringing that diverse voice, he said, noting that he doesn’t believe it appropriate to have no Republicans on the board.

He added that nominating Campbell wasn’t just about party. He also finds it problematic that too many educators occupy seats.

With DeBruyn’s election, six out of nine seats on the school board belong to current or retired educators.

“We need representation on the board from all different opinions, all different careers,” he said.

Campbell’s background and role as a parent would have brought another perspective and helped the board make better decisions to improve the district, Staab said. 

“That diversity of thought is key for the Board of Ed,” he said. “In my opinion, we don’t need more educators when we have educators who sit through every meeting. We need residents. We need parents.”

The need was even more imperative, he noted, after last week’s controversial decision by the Board of Selectmen to appoint former First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder, a Democrat, to fill Michael Fogliano’s vacant seat on the Zoning Commission.

That decision highlights a “lack of transparency and representation in the town,” Staab said.

Michael Barnes, a six-year unaffiliated Zoning Commission alternate who lost his bid for the empty Zoning Commission seat despite support from most of the 85 residents in the room, seconded Staab’s nomination for Campbell.

Barnes said he doesn’t believe politics should play a role in zoning or education.

Still, he and Staab noted that 400 voters made their voices heard.

“400 votes is going to be a record,” Staab said. “I’m glad people came out and exercised their civic duty.” DeBruyn, in her speech before the vote, said she has lived in the town for 27 years, has two daughters who graduated from Lyme-Old Lyme schools and is a retired special education teacher with two decades of experience in the district.

She promised to bring constructive ideas to ensure services are efficient and effective.

“I believe the board’s responsibility is to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions that support students, respect taxpayers and ensure that every dollar is invested where it will have the greatest impact on teaching and learning,” she said.

After winning the seat, DeBruyn said she was ready to get started.

“I’ve dedicated my career to the children of Region 18,” she said. “I look forward to servicing them in a new way, and I look forward to working with (Schools Superintendent) Ian (Neviaser) and the board.”

While opinions of residents departing the auditorium after the vote were mixed, a large number were satisfied.

On their way to their car, Charlie Potts and Lindy Lyman said they were pleased with the process and results.

“I’m very happy,” Lyman said.