The Newtown PTAs and PTSA hosted a Board of Education Candidate's Forum at Newtown High School during the evening of October 28.

While all five BOE candidates were expected to attend, a change of plans ahead of the event had only two participate, Democrats Dan Cruson Jr and Jennifer Padilla.

As previously reported by The Newtown Bee ahead of the forum, Republican candidates Janet Kuzma, Jenn Larkin, and Donald Ramsey were announced as not participating in the forum. When The Newtown Bee reached out to the Newtown RTC and candidates for comment, the following was received:

“Republican candidates will not be participating in tonight’s forum due to the hostile environment that continues to rear up in town meetings and websites. Recent quotes and responses published elsewhere have minimized what has been happening to the point of suggesting that nothing more than childish behavior or sharp criticism has occurred. Let's be clear. Nothing could be further from the real experience. Candidates have been unjustifiably personally attacked and characterized in the most reprehensible of terms, been accused of being a danger to children and have had their families, including children, drawn into the fray. Some of this activity is taking place on websites allegedly moderated by members of what are purported to be non-partisan organizations. Attempts have been made to bully and intimidate business owners for having a political point of view. Public participation in town meetings has gone off topic for the sole purpose of vilifying candidates. While we appreciate the substantial work of the organizers to pull this event together, it is time to make a stand against the small group of people who choose to behave in this way as well as those who tacitly support them by permitting or minimizing what they have done.”

The forum was broadcast on YouTube and is still available to watch online at youtube.com/watch?v=CjDZv_XC6P4.

Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue opened up the evening by welcoming all in attendance and introducing the night's moderator, NHS social studies teacher Jason Edwards.

Cruson and Padilla were asked four questions in a rotating order. The forum lasted roughly 45 minutes.

During responses Padilla highlighted her time volunteering in town for the last seven years, from joining a PTA board, helping to launch the Newtown Education Foundation, to working with different school district committees. Padilla said she has lived in Newtown for 13 years with her family, and she has children in the school system.

"I feel such a deep connection to the BOE mission," said Padilla, adding that she knows it takes a special kind of person — someone with an open mind, fortitude, and desire to learn and grow — to be on the board.

Both candidates said they support listening to experts and following recommended pandemic mitigation strategies, both support working to close learning gaps, and both shared support for the recently hired school district diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator.

Cruson, who was born and raised in Newtown, shared that he worked for the school district's central office for a stint, moved home to raise his family in Newtown's schools, and has been a member of the Board of Education since a seat opened up. In his tenure on the school board he has participated in many areas, committees, and efforts — like the recent interview committee to hire the school district's diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator.

"I've touched a lot [of different areas and topics] and through touching all of that, I still feel like there is a lot left to be done. And I would not feel right not continuing that work," said Cruson, adding that he "desperately" wants to be part of helping the school district close pandemic learning gaps.

Edwards noted the forum was "democracy in action" and proudly pointed out that he saw some NHS students, including his own, attending the forum as audience members.

Local municipal elections are slated for Tuesday, November 2.

Education Reporter Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.