Two Candidates for Board of Ed: Calming, Wise, Thoughtful and Fair

To the editor:

I have had the privilege and the pleasure to work closely with two of the Board of Education candidates over the past 10 years.

First, as part of the Tokeneke PTO, where Julie Best served in various leadership roles instrumental in improving the parent community, including co-chair, vice-chair, and Pumpkin Carnival co-chair.

I met Stacey Tie when she served as Tokeneke PTO’s special education chair, and I had a child receiving services for the first time. She was a calming influence, and someone I could go to with questions I wasn’t comfortable asking the administration. I was not alone in that, and know dozens of parents who have benefited from Stacey’s wise council over the years.

For the past three years, I served alongside Julie and Stacey as a member of the Executive Committee of the Council of Darien School Parents (CDSP) where I witnessed firsthand the organizational skills, leadership, advocacy, and passion that these two women brought to their respective roles of co-chair and special education and budget representative.

Julie is thoughtful, strategic, well-spoken, and fair. She does what she says she’s going to do, listens to all sides when there is conflict, and seeks middle ground. She’s a natural collaborator who realizes the importance of the work she does on behalf of our parents, students and administration yet doesn’t take herself too seriously. Ego is left at the door.

In a word, Stacey is passionate. Passionate about ensuring that our most vulnerable students are considered when making decisions that affect their education. Passionate about listening to the concerns of parents and effectively communicating them to effect positive change. Passionate about supporting our administration and staff, but also holding them accountable.

I encourage you to vote on Nov. 2 for two women who will be outstanding additions to the BOE!

Amy Daniels
Old Kings Highway South