Board of Apportionment and Taxation
Karen Battistelli
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John Belden
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Michael Gaydos
Michael, a native of Stratford and former Westport resident, has resided in Shelton since 2008. Married to Anne, a candidate for the Shelton Board of Education, they are parents of a daughter who is a student in the Shelton public school system.
A 1988 graduate of Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Michael has been employed in the market research industry for the past 16 years with positions in project management, survey programming and data processing. He currently is an Operations Manager for a local market research company in Trumbull. For 18 years he was an on-air personality in local radio at WEBE108 and WICC600.
Michael was appointed to the Shelton Board of Apportionment and Taxation earlier this year to fill a vacancy when a Board member switched to an open position that occurred on the Shelton Board of Aldermen. He has been a frequent attendee at various city meetings throughout the year and looks forward to serving the community he loves by being on the Board of Apportionment & Taxation. His priority is to maintain our city’s low tax rate to keep Shelton a great place to live and raise a family.
Board of Education
Anne Gaydos
Anne and her husband, Michael, a candidate for the Board of Apportionment and Taxation, have been Shelton residents since 2008. They are the parents of Samantha, an 8-year-old third grader at Sunnyside Elementary School.
A graduate of the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh with a BA in Studio Art/Graphic Design and a Minor in Computer Science, Anne has been a graphic designer for over 20 years. Anne is an active Sunnyside PTO member, PTO website coordinator, yearbook coordinator, classroom volunteer, and a member of the Shelton public school’s Strategic Plan Committee. She is a member of the Shelton Republican Town Committee and was named to the Shelton Parks and Recreation Commission in 2016.
With a daughter in the Shelton public school system, Anne has a vested interest in the quality of our schools. A strong believer in the value of an excellent public education, Anne’s goal – as a member of the Board of Education – is to be an advocate for our children, placing their needs first while balancing a competitive learning environment with a responsible budget. Of importance to Anne is encouraging and promoting communication between the parent community and the Board of Education. Anne also feels serving on the Board of Education would be a worthwhile and rewarding way to volunteer her time and give back to the community.
Mark Holden
I first became involved in the community through the Shelton Jaycees. I was active on the local and state levels, and it’s where I met my wife Wendy. I was a nationally certified trainer for Team-building, Leadership, and Chapter Management for the Jaycees. Previously I served on the Board of Apportionment and Taxation. I was Chairman for 4 years.
I’ve served 6 years on the Board of Education and 5 years as Chairman. Since I’ve been on the Board, we’ve transitioned to Full Day Kindergarten. We were the first school district in Connecticut to give students and staff ALICE training for dealing with intruders, and we have started Shelton Empowers to help combat the opioid problem. We’ve started the School of Innovation where project based learning is used at Shelton Intermediate School. Our student achievement has continued to climb while our cost per student hasn’t increased nearly as fast as neighboring towns.
I will continue meeting new challenges and improving the quality of education we provide our students by ensuring the use of available resources to get the best possible outcome. I will continue to be a strong advocate for public education.
Tom Minotti
Tom has served on the Board of Education for 10 years and is currently
the vice-chairman. His top 4 priorities are: providing a quality education, keeping the community informed about the BOE work and policies, low taxes, and a strong, honest, transparent government.
Tom worked for the Bridgeport Board of Education for 38 years as a Mathematics Instructor and city-wide Mathematics Supervisor. He is currently a part-time Adjunct Math Professor at the University of Bridgeport, and has been since 1985. He has BS, MS, and MS+ 30 degrees.
Tom has been a resident of Shelton for 39 years. He has been involved in many committees and organizations, including: Lector & Volunteer at St. Margaret Mary Church; Barnum Festival Committee and Volunteer; Columbus Day Parade Committee Volunteer; Knights of Columbus - Fourth Degree; and Aspetuck Village Condominium Association as Director and Secretary.
Tom and his wife, Nancy Ann Minotti, have 4 children (Tom, Jr., Christopher, Michele and Jennifer) and 8 grandchildren (4 graduated from SHS; 4 remaining in Shelton Public Schools).
Darlisa Ritter
Dr. Darlisa Ritter is a Republican seeking her 2nd term on the Shelton Board of Education. She is a parent, attended Shelton public schools, beginning with Ferry School and graduating from Shelton High School, and a 40 year veteran Shelton teacher. She received 5 higher education degrees, culminating in doctorates in Educational Administration, Supervision and Leadership, and Human Resources. Recognized and cited as an outstanding doctoral leader in Who's Who in University Students, she has achieved many national, state, and city accolades ranging from serving 17 years as a board member with 3 years as Chair of the State Department of Education's Celebration of Excellence program to simultaneously serving as Chair and member for the CT State Department, Bureau of Certification and Development and Accrediation Review Team for 5 years. She received presigtious recognition as a National Educator Awardee from the Milken Family Foundation, a G. E. Foundation Math Award, CT Academy of Schools Awards, a George Lucas Foundation Technology Award, a McDonald's National Award, and a Shelton Teacher of the Year Award. Utilizing her extensive educational background and experience she serves on BOE Teaching and Learning, Policy, and Finance committees. She supports and contributes to the advancement of our students and school system, all the while keeping an eye on the needs of taxpayers. Dr. Ritter speaks from a place of concern, practicality, and common sense.
Kathy Yolish
Kathleen Yolish has been a Shelton resident for 50 years. She’s married to Norman and has a Morkie, Kinzy Bean. Kathleen is seeking reelection to the Board for her 5th term. As a 35-year teacher at Ferry, Sunnyside, Lafayette and Elizabeth Shelton schools, she understands the concerns, frustrations and needs of the taxpayers. Throughout her educational career she has received honorariums including teaching grants, Teacher of the Year finalist, Who’s Who in American Teachers, Shelton’s Walmart Teacher of the Year, the Weller Educational Award and Disney Teacher Recognition Award. As an 8-year Board member, she devotes many hours serving on committees: Teaching & Learning, Policy, Finance, Board liaison for the Shelton Education Association as well as attending many school functions, cultural arts programs, concerts and plays. She also writes the educational articles for the Shelton Economic Development Commission’s publication, Shelton Life. She is an active member of the SRTC, St. Margaret Mary Church and continues to volunteer in the 3rd grades at Long Hill School. Kathleen has the heart of Shelton. She truly cares about the children, their parents, the taxpayers and employees. She hopes that voters will continue to support her commitment to be a voice in this challenging, ever changing world especially in these fiscally unstable budgetary times.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Ruth Parkins
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Tony Pagoda
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