Four Shelton Democrats back GOP school board chair

SHELTON — Republicans may control the Board of Education, but it was four Democrats who backed the winning candidate for its chair by a 5-4 vote.

Kathy Yolish, a Republican and board chair the past two years, was reelected to the position Wednesday by a 5-4 vote, with Yolish voting for herself and the four Democrats joining her. Republican Amy Romano nominated James Orazietti, the board’s vice chair the past two years, but the bid failed.

“I knew that I was not the candidate of choice by my party and board mates,” Yolish said after the meeting. “Although I felt a sting of disappointment in not having their support, I felt honored that the people that were opposing me two years ago were now favoring me.”

The vice chair post went to Democrat Kate Kutash. Orazietti was nominated for the position by Romano, but before a vote took place, he removed his name from consideration. Democrat Lorraine Rossner, a board newcomer, was elected secretary without opposition.

The board now has two new members, Rossner and Republican Joseph Pagliaro Jr. Rossner replaced Amanda Kilmartin, who had an unsuccessful run for a Ward 4 alderman seat. Paglairo replaces John Fitzgerald.

“It is certainly interesting to see that there are three educators with more than 120 combined years of educational background now leading the board,” Yolish said. “I am hopeful that I will earn back the confidence, trust and collegiality that we previously had together as a team.”

Kutash, in nominating Yolish for the chair post, said she watched Yolish meet the demands of the role that was faced with challenges unlike ever before.

“The challenge of leadership was one where we witnessed her grow stronger in her convictions, yet not rude. Kind, but not weak. Thoughtful, not thoughtless. Humble, but not timid. Proud, but not arrogant, and bold without being intimidating or bullying,” Kutash said.

In nominating Orazietti, Romano credited the former vice chair with being the key to the improved communication between the city and school board.

“He has spent endless hours repairing the damaged relationship,” Romano said. “He was in constant contact advocating for our students to the (Board of Aldermen) and city officials. He was actively involved with the budget process.”