Leidlein, Roche Return As School Board Leaders

Newtown's Board of Education unanimously re-appointed chair Debbie Leidlein and vice chair Laura Roche to serve as its leaders for the next term at their meeting Tuesday night.

"I respect the two of you,” said board member John Vouros, who re-nominated both Leidlein and Roche. “And it is with pleasure that I sit here with my colleagues to support you in your further work to move this district forward and do the best with children and staff.”

Leidlein, who has served as Board of Education chair for two years, easily won re-election in November. Roche is in the third year of her four-year term.

Kathy Hamilton, who joined the Board of Education after leaving the Legislative Council before being elected to a full term in November, will serve as secretary.

“I think she will do our board great service,” said Laura Roche, who nominated Hamilton. "Her organization, preparation and dedication are admirable.”

Although leadership stays the same, the makeup of the Board of Education has changed in recent months with the addition of Hamilton and the election of Michelle Ku and David Freedman.