Brookfield school board names area teacher as new chairperson

BROOKFIELD — Two Democrats took the Board of Education’s top seats at Wednesday night’s Board of Education meeting, after a close vote.

By a vote of 4 to 3, newly elected board member Wendy Youngblood, a Democrat, beat board member Joy Greenstein, for the role of board chairperson. Greenstein, a Republican, was previously vice chairperson. Youngblood replaces Bob Belden, who is unaffiliated and who was elected selectman in the November election, running alongside Steve Dunn, who was elected first selectman.

“I’m lucky to get asked to run and to have support of… the board,” said Youngblood, who has taught humanities at Shepaug Valley School in Washington for 18 years. She previously volunteered on the Brookfield Library’s Board of Directors and has coached soccer in town.

The board includes four Republicans and three Democrats. Hala Hourani, a registered Republican, crossed party lines to vote for Youngblood. 

“I approach this (role) with a lot of humility,” Youngblood said. “There are five of us who are new. … We have a lot to learn. We are all ready to roll up our sleeves. We have the guidance of two very experienced board members. So, we’re here to get in and start doing the work.”

Brookfield Schools Superintendent John Barile said he’s excited to work with the new Board of Education “as we continue to implement the strategic plan and further develop the Portrait of the Graduate. Our new and veteran members bring a wealth of experiences to the board and I look forward to their partnership as we serve the students and families of Brookfield.”

Youngblood said one of her goals as chair is to tap into the “incredible strengths and experience” of her fellow board members. 

“We have such a broad range of folks who are on this board. They all bring rich experience within and around education, and everyone’s dedication is sincere,” said Youngblood. She has two grown daughters with her husband, Chris Casey, who works in video production for print media.

She added the challenge really is trying to tap into the other board member’s talents and goodwill.” She said it’s just going to be a matter of getting people in the right roles “to start doing the hard work for the community.”

She added the most important topic at hand will be the 2024-2025 school superintendent’s budget.

She said she looks forward to helping the community understand the vision of the budget.

“He outlined his initial vision to us (at Wednesday night’s Board of Education meeting) so part of our job will be speaking to the community and helping people understand why this is a great budget for Brookfield,” she said. 

In the November municipal election, Democrats Stephanie Sikora and Youngblood, along with Republicans Robert Fischetto and Sarah Devine won seats. 

Democrats Amy Foster and Debbie Brooks, along with Republican Murphy, have stepped down from the board.