Todisco steps down from Stonington school board

Stonington — Democratic Board of Education Chairman Frank Todisco, who has presided over the board during a time of improved relations with the Board of Finance that led to school budgets being approved on the first vote, has resigned.

Todisco, who was elected to the board in 2011 and has served as its chairman since November of 2013, stepped down on Friday, citing job and family responsibilities.

Todisco said a promotion at work has led to an increased amount of travel, which combined with his many school board responsibilities, were impacting his time with his family.

“I was struggling to manage it all and as a result I talked with my wife and kids and it became clear it was impacting my family and that’s the last thing I wanted,” he said.

Todisco said that as board chairman he not only attended meetings and researched issues, he attended school functions and spoke frequently with school officials, the town’s legislative delegation, First Selectman Rob Simmons and the Board of Finance.

“I was like an another full time job, “he said.

Todisco said that while on the board he is most proud that it was able to improve its relationship with the boards of finance and selectmen to the point where school budgets were approved on the first vote the past four years, student acheivement improved, access to computer technology was expanded for students and work began on the renovation and expansion of the aging Deans Mill and West Vine Street schools.

The school board’s Democratic members will now choose a replacement to serve out the remainder of Todisco’s term on the school board. The full board will then elect a new chairman.