To the Editor:
As a mother of seven children, six of whom have gone through Stamford Public Schools and three who are still attending. I’ve spent decades invested in this school district. Like many parents, I’ve seen the highs and lows of our school system. My children’s experiences were overall good, not perfect, but good. We stayed in Stamford Public Schools because my kids genuinely liked their teachers and the learning environment. But when times got tough, I found it difficult to get the support my family needed from the district.
One of those difficult times came in 2024, after a series of assaults at Turn of River Middle School. My daughter, who attended TOR at the time, was one of those victims assaulted by other students and left with a bruise on her lip. As a parent, I was devastated. I reached out to the administration expecting accountability and compassion, but instead, I received no meaningful follow up. My daughter, and our family, were left feeling unheard and dismissed.
It was during that time that Dennis LoDolce stepped forward. He wasn’t a candidate for the Board of Education yet, but he took the time to listen to my story and to my daughter’s experience. Dennis stood up at a public Board of Education meeting in June 2024 and fearlessly spoke out about what had happened. He didn’t do it for attention or politics, he did it because he genuinely cares about students and families.
That moment showed me who Dennis truly is someone who is not afraid to speak up, to challenge the system when necessary, and to stand up for what’s right. He brings not only a deep understanding of public service, but also the compassion, courage, and persistence that we need on this board.
As a former Stamford Public Schools graduate himself, Dennis understands our community from the inside out. He has a sincere passion for helping others and a willingness to roll up his sleeves and do the hard work to make things better. Parents deserve board members who listen, who follow up, and who act. Based on my personal experience, Dennis is exactly that kind of person.
On November 4th, I urge all Stamford voters, and especially my fellow parents, to join me in supporting Dennis LoDolce for the Board of Education. Our children deserve leaders who care as much as we do.
Clara Gutierrez
Stamford, CT