School Board Picks PTA’s Aronow as New Member

By James Lomuscio

Westport’s Board of Education tonight unanimously chose a familiar face—former PTA Council co-president Brett Aronow—to fill the chair left vacant when board chairman Donald O’Day resigned in August.

Brett Aronow is all smiles tonight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Aronow, a Democrat recommended by the Democratic Town Committee to fill a party vacancy when O’Day left the seven-member board, was selected out of “seven excellent applicants,” said Jim Marpe, the board’s acting chairman. The board chose Aronow after three rounds of interviews resulted in a consensus among the six remaining board members.

“I’m very honored to be appointed, and I’m proud to be able to serve my community further,” said Aronow, a mother of three children in the school system.

According to Marpe, Aronow holds an undergraduate degree from Dartmouth, an MBA from Stanford University and has a business background in investment management, “which will bring a business perspective” to the board.

Board member Elaine Whitney, who said she has known Aronow for five years, made the motion to vote on Aronow’s approval. It was seconded by board member Mark Mathias.

“We certainly look forward to your contributions to the board,” said Mathias.

After the vote, Aronow was sworn in by Town Clerk Patricia Strauss.

“Welcome to our table,” said Marpe, after which Aronow, who normally sits in the Staples High School cafeteria bleachers where she observes the board for the PTA, sat down with the board.

Aronow is married to Keith Stein, who currently serves on the Westport Weston Health District board, the Democratic Town Committee, and has been treasurer for several local campaigns. He is also a longtime PTA volunteer.