Board of Education - 2025 Candidate Comparison

Election Date: November 4, 2025

Seats Available: 3 (four-year terms)

Vote for: Up to three candidates

Term Length: 4 years

Position Overview

The Board of Education governs Weston Public Schools, setting educational policy, approving curriculum, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, and managing the education budget (typically 60-65% of total town spending). The board consists of 7 members serving staggered 4-year terms. This is one of Weston's most consequential elected positions, directly affecting the education of approximately 2,500 students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set educational policy and strategic direction
• Hire, evaluate, and support the Superintendent
• Approve curriculum and educational programs
• Develop and oversee education budget (~$60M annually)
• Ensure compliance with state and federal education laws
• Advocate for students, staff, and community
• Address special education and equity issues

How to Vote

Vote for up to THREE candidates. Three seats are available for four-year terms. There are four candidates total: three Democrats and one Republican.

Candidate Summary Table

For detailed source citations: See individual candidate profiles (Lisa Luft | Nicole Wallach | Deborah Low | Jason Lee)

Detailed Candidate Comparisons

Professional Background

Lisa Luft (Democratic):

• 32 years with New York City Board of Education:
  • Started as Accounting and Business Teacher
  • House Coordinator for 650 students
  • Assistant Principal
  • Principal for schools ranging from 250 to 3,500 students
  • Specialized as turnaround principal (improving struggling schools)
  • Director, Office of New Schools (launching new educational programs)
• Credentials:
  • MS in Reading - Southern Connecticut State University
  • MS in Leadership - Southern Connecticut State University
  • MS in Executive Leadership - University of Connecticut
  • Administrative licenses in Connecticut and New York
• Personal: 30+ years Weston resident, married to Harvey Luft (45 years), 3 children, 5 grandchildren

Nicole Wallach (Democratic):

• Current: Attorney, U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (New York)
• Previous: Attorney, DOJ Civil Rights Division
• Previous: Staff Attorney, Advocates for Children of New York (disability rights and special education)
• Education: J.D. from Duke University School of Law
• Expertise:
  • Civil rights law in education
  • Disability rights and advocacy
  • Special education law and compliance
  • Federal education regulations (Office for Civil Rights)
  • Children's rights advocacy
• Community: Weston resident, spoke with 9th graders at Cambridge School of Weston about disability advocacy career
• Connections: 398+ LinkedIn connections

Deborah Low (Democratic):

• Current: Acting Superintendent, Weston Public Schools (March 28 - June 30, 2025)
• Ridgefield Public Schools Superintendent (2007-2015, 8 years)
• 20 years with Wilton Public Schools:
  • Principal, Wilton High School
  • Associate High School Principal
  • Dean of Students
  • Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
  • Administrator of Secondary Education
• Wilton Board of Education (2017-2022):
  • Elected 2017
  • Board Chair (2019-2022, 3 years)
• Education:
  • B.A. in English - SUNY Binghamton
  • Master of Arts in Teaching - SUNY Binghamton
  • Graduate Work in School Leadership - University of Michigan
  • Connecticut Administrative Certification
• Professional: Executive Board Member, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS); President, Southern Fairfield County Superintendents
• Personal: Age 69 (as of 2021), moved to Weston 2022 from Wilton, 2 children (graduated Wilton Public Schools)

Jason Lee (Republican):

• Current: Notary Public & Loan Signing Agent (mobile notary business)
• Service Area: Lower Fairfield County, Connecticut
• Availability: 24/7 premium service
• Professional Profile: Detail-oriented, customer service focused, personable
• Specialization: Loan signing services, mobile notary work
• Education: Notary Public Certification - State of Connecticut
• Additional background: Not publicly available
• Note: Minimal public information compared to other candidates

Relevant Experience for Board of Education

Lisa Luft:

• 32 years in public education administration - comprehensive experience at all levels
• Principal experience: Managed schools ranging from 250 to 3,500 students (larger than entire Weston district)
• Turnaround expertise: Specialized in improving struggling schools - relevant for addressing challenges
• Director role: Office of New Schools - experience launching and developing educational initiatives
• Multi-credential: Licensed administrator in both CT and NY
• Graduate-level focus: Three master's degrees in reading, leadership, and executive leadership
• 30+ years Weston resident: Deep community roots and understanding of local values

Nicole Wallach:

• Federal education law expertise: Direct experience with U.S. Department of Education policies
• Civil rights enforcement: Understanding of compliance requirements and student protections
• Special education background: Specialized knowledge in disability rights and accommodations
• Advocacy experience: Advocates for Children of New York - direct work with families and students
• Legal training: Duke Law School education and federal/state legal practice
• Youth engagement: Active in mentoring students about advocacy careers (Cambridge School)
• Policy knowledge: Deep understanding of education regulations, compliance, and legal frameworks

Deborah Low:

• Superintendent experience: 8 years leading Ridgefield Public Schools (2007-2015)
• Current insider knowledge: Acting Weston Superintendent (March-June 2025) provides direct understanding
• Board governance experience: 5 years on Wilton BOE including 3 years as Chair
• Comprehensive career: Teacher → Principal → Assistant Superintendent → Superintendent → BOE member
• Rare perspective: Has served on "both sides" of board-superintendent relationship
• Professional recognition: Executive Board, CT Association of Public School Superintendents
• 20+ years Wilton experience: Deep Fairfield County knowledge
• Crisis management: Led schools through COVID-19 challenges

Jason Lee:

• Small business owner: Operates mobile notary service
• Customer service focus: Emphasis on client satisfaction
• Detail-oriented approach: Attention to accuracy in professional work
• Community service: Provides services throughout Fairfield County
• Note: No documented experience in education policy, administration, school volunteering, or PTO involvement
• Information gap: Professional experience prior to notary work not publicly available

Educational Philosophy & Platform

Lisa Luft:

• Academic Excellence: 32-year career focused on student achievement
• Large-scale management: Experience overseeing schools with up to 3,500 students
• Turnaround expertise: Demonstrated ability to improve struggling programs
• Innovation: Director role shows experience launching new educational initiatives
• Student support systems: House Coordinator experience (650 students)
• Business education: Original background as accounting and business teacher

Nicole Wallach (Federal Compliance & Equity Focus): Expected priorities based on professional background:

• Special education excellence: Ensuring district compliance and best practices
• Civil rights protections: Safeguarding rights of all students
• Disability accommodations: Expert knowledge of legal requirements
• Equity and inclusion: Federal civil rights enforcement background
• Policy compliance: Understanding of state and federal regulations
• Advocacy: Experience representing student and family interests

Deborah Low (Comprehensive Leadership): Public positions from Wilton BOE service:

• Academic Excellence for All Students: High achievement as primary goal
• COVID-19 Recovery: Support "Accelerated Learning" (not remediation) to address pandemic gaps
• Math Program Improvement: Strengthen curriculum district-wide, implement targeted strategies
• Equity & Achievement Gaps: Narrow gap between general and special education students
• Social-Emotional Support: Focus on students' mental health and wellbeing
• Continuous Improvement: Campaign motto emphasizing ongoing educational excellence
• Community Engagement: "The schools are a major asset of our town; we must continue and improve"

Notable Wilton Achievements:

• Created Community Steps special education program
• Developed Genesis special education program
• Led development of "Portrait of the Graduate" vision with community input
• Maintained strong standardized assessment results

Jason Lee:

• No public policy positions available
• No campaign platform published
• No statements on education issues

Community Involvement & Weston Connection

Lisa Luft:

• 30+ years Weston resident - extensive community roots
• 5 grandchildren - ongoing investment in community
• Member: Weston Democratic Town Committee (2024-2026)
• Personal investment: Raised 3 children (location not specified in profile)
• Long tenure demonstrates: Commitment to Weston as home

Nicole Wallach:

• Weston resident (length of residence not specified)
• Cambridge School engagement: Spoke with 9th graders about career in disability advocacy
• Community mentorship: Active in youth education about advocacy and law
• Connection to local education: Engaged with Weston education community
• Note: Personal family background (children, school experience) not publicly available

Deborah Low:

• Moved to Weston 2022 (newest resident among Democratic candidates)
• Currently serving: Acting Weston Superintendent (March-June 2025)
• Previous: 20+ years in Wilton, 8 years in Ridgefield
• Parent: 2 children graduated from Wilton Public Schools
• Deep Fairfield County roots: 30+ years in region
• Regional knowledge: Understands CT education challenges and resources

Jason Lee:

• Weston resident (length not specified)
• Small business owner: Serves lower Fairfield County
• No documented civic involvement in available sources
• No town board service mentioned
• No volunteer activities in education or community listed
• Note: Lack of information may be due to privacy, recent arrival, or limited public profile

Key Differences

Educational Expertise

• Luft: 32 years school administration, principal of large schools
• Wallach: Education law specialist, civil rights enforcement
• Low: Superintendent and BOE chair experience
• Lee: No documented education background

Professional Status

• Luft: Retired from NYC BOE (available for board service)
• Wallach: Active attorney at U.S. Dept of Education (demanding career)
• Low: Retired, currently interim superintendent (transitioning)
• Lee: Active small business owner (24/7 availability claims)

Weston Tenure

• Luft: 30+ years (longest Weston resident)
• Wallach: Weston resident (duration unknown)
• Low: Since 2022 (newest Weston resident)
• Lee: Weston resident (duration unknown)

Board Experience

• Luft: No prior board service (career administrator)
• Wallach: No prior board service (career attorney)
• Low: 5 years Wilton BOE including 3 years as Chair
• Lee: No documented board service

Current Weston Schools Knowledge

• Luft: General Weston resident perspective
• Wallach: Professional education law perspective
• Low: Serving as Acting Superintendent (March-June 2025) - direct insider knowledge
• Lee: Unknown

Specialized Expertise

• Luft: School turnaround and new program development
• Wallach: Special education law and civil rights
• Low: Superintendent-board governance relationship
• Lee: Unknown

Key Similarities (Democratic Candidates)

Professional Credentials

• All three Democrats bring extensive professional education expertise
• All have advanced degrees (Luft: 3 Master's, Wallach: J.D., Low: Master's + Graduate work)
• All have worked at high levels in education field

Commitment to Public Education

• All dedicated careers to improving public schools
• All understand education system from different angles
• All bring specialized knowledge to board service

Understanding of Compliance

• All familiar with state and federal education requirements
• All understand legal and regulatory frameworks
• All have experience with accountability systems

Critical Race Dynamics

The Three-Democrat, One-Republican Structure

Voters face a strategic decision:

Scenario 1: Vote for all 3 Democrats

• Result: All-Democratic board representatives elected
• Pros: Unified Democratic vision, coordinated approach
• Cons: No Republican representation from this election cycle

Scenario 2: Vote for 2 Democrats + 1 Republican (Jason Lee)

• Result: Mixed partisan representation
• Pros: Bipartisan board, diverse perspectives
• Cons: Which two Democrats? How do their skills complement?

Scenario 3: Vote for 1 or 2 candidates only

• Result: Leave some seats to be determined by others
• Consideration: Which expertise areas are most critical?

Republican Candidate Challenge

Jason Lee faces significant challenges:

• Experience gap: Three Democrats have combined 60+ years in education vs. Lee's undisclosed background
• Information gap: Minimal public information about qualifications or positions
• Expertise gap: No documented education experience vs. three highly credentialed educators
• Only Republican: Must appeal to independents and crossover Democrats to win

Democratic Candidate Differentiation

With three strong Democratic candidates and three seats, voters must choose whether to:

• Vote for all three and have unified Democratic representation
• Differentiate based on expertise:
  • Operations focus → Luft (school administration)
  • Legal/compliance focus → Wallach (education law)
  • Leadership/governance focus → Low (superintendent + board chair)

Questions for Voters to Consider

About Educational Expertise

1. Which type of expertise is most valuable right now?

   • School administration (Luft)
   • Education law and civil rights (Wallach)
   • Superintendent-board dynamics (Low)
   • Fresh perspective (Lee)

2. Is specialized education background essential for board service?

3. Does Jason Lee's limited public information concern you?

About Current Weston Schools Context

4. Is Deborah Low's insider knowledge as Acting Superintendent valuable or problematic?
5. Should someone who just served as Acting Superintendent immediately join the board?
6. Does Low's unique "both sides" perspective strengthen or complicate board-superintendent relationship?

About Specific Candidates

Lisa Luft: 7. Is her 32 years NYC BOE experience transferable to Weston's smaller district? 8. Does her turnaround expertise suggest she sees Weston schools as needing improvement? 9. Is large-school principal experience (up to 3,500 students) relevant to Weston (~2,500 total)?

Nicole Wallach: 10. Is special education/civil rights legal expertise a top priority for board? 11. Can she balance demanding federal attorney career with board responsibilities? 12. Is her federal compliance knowledge essential for district?

Deborah Low: 13. Does her age (69) and extensive experience represent wisdom or reluctance to innovate? 14. Is serving as Acting Superintendent then immediately joining board appropriate? 15. Does her brief Weston residency (since 2022) matter?

Jason Lee: 16. What is his educational background and experience? 17. What are his positions on curriculum, budget, special education, testing? 18. Why is there minimal public information about his qualifications? 19. Can he effectively serve while running 24/7 notary business?

About Board Composition

20. Should all three seats go to Democrats or should you vote for partisan balance?
21. Which combination of expertise creates the strongest board?
22. Is it beneficial to have all three Democratic candidates (complementary skills)?

Potential Board Expertise Combinations

Option A: All Three Democrats

Luft + Wallach + Low

• Strengths: Comprehensive education expertise, complementary skills (admin + legal + governance)
• Coverage: Operations (Luft), Compliance (Wallach), Leadership (Low)
• Concern: All from education field, no outsider perspective
• Partisan: All Democratic

Option B: Two Democrats + Lee

Possible combinations depend on which two Democrats you choose:

Luft + Wallach + Lee:

• Admin + Legal + Outside perspective
• Loses governance expertise (Low)

Luft + Low + Lee:

• Admin + Governance + Outside perspective
• Loses legal/compliance expertise (Wallach)

Wallach + Low + Lee:

• Legal + Governance + Outside perspective
• Loses hands-on school administration (Luft)

Option C: Focus on Specific Expertise

Vote for 1 or 2 candidates with most critical skills:

• Let other voters determine remaining seats
• Risk: Outcomes less predictable

Information Gaps & Voter Resources

Jason Lee Critical Information Needs

Voters seeking to make informed decisions need Lee to provide:

1. Educational background and credentials
2. Professional experience beyond notary work
3. Specific policy positions on:
   • School budget and spending priorities
   • Curriculum and standards
   • Special education services
   • Facilities and infrastructure
   • Teacher support and retention
   • Student mental health
   • Testing and accountability
   • Technology in education
4. Vision for Weston Public Schools
5. Time commitment capacity (given 24/7 business)
6. Prior civic/volunteer involvement
7. Connection to Weston schools (children, volunteering, PTO)

Where to Find Information

• Candidate Forums: League of Women Voters typically hosts forums
• Weston Today: Local news coverage
• Party Websites:
  • Weston Democrats: weston-democrats.org
  • Weston Republicans: westonrtc.org
• Direct Contact: Reach out through party organizations
• School Budget Meetings: Attend to see candidates discuss education issues

Board of Education Context

Current Board Leadership

• Erica Forti appointed as new Superintendent (June 2025, starts summer 2025)
• Previous Superintendent Lisa Barbiero retired
• Deborah Low served as Acting Superintendent during transition

Major District Issues

• Post-COVID learning recovery
• Student mental health and social-emotional support
• Budget pressures and fiscal sustainability
• Facilities maintenance and improvements
• Special education program quality
• Teacher recruitment and retention
• Curriculum and standards alignment

Board Responsibilities

The next three board members will:

• Work with new Superintendent Erica Forti
• Address ~$60M annual education budget
• Set strategic direction for district
• Oversee approximately 2,500 students
• Manage ~250+ staff members
• Ensure compliance with evolving state/federal requirements

Resources

Full Candidate Profiles

• Lisa Luft: View Profile
• Nicole Wallach: View Profile
• Deborah Low: View Profile
• Jason Lee: View Profile

Contact Information

Weston Board of Education:

• Address: Weston Town Hall, 56 Norfield Road, Weston, CT 06883
• Phone: (203) 222-2619
• Website: weston.k12.ct.us

Campaign Information:

• Weston Democratic Town Committee: weston-democrats.org
• Weston Republican Town Committee: westonrtc.org

Voting Information

• Election Day: November 4, 2025
• Early Voting: October 20 - November 2, 2025
• Sample Ballot: westonct.gov and Town Clerk's office
• League of Women Voters: Non-partisan information and forums

Additional Resources

• Board Meeting Minutes: weston.k12.ct.us (Board of Education page)
• School Budget Documents: Available on district website
• Strategic Plan: Review district goals and priorities
• State Education Data: CT State Department of Education

Last Updated: October 15, 2025

Critical Note for Voters: Jason Lee's profile shows significant information gaps regarding educational background, policy positions, and relevant experience. The three Democratic candidates have extensive public information and deep education credentials. Voters should:

1. Attend candidate forums to hear directly from all candidates
2. Request detailed information from Lee's campaign about qualifications
3. Consider which expertise combinations best serve Weston schools
4. Decide whether partisan balance or expertise should guide your vote

Important: With 3 seats and 4 candidates (3D, 1R), your voting strategy significantly impacts board composition and expertise mix. Consider carefully which combination of skills and perspectives best serves Weston's 2,500 students.