Danbury’s newest school board member was emboldened to run so board could be more diverse
DANBURY — July Miliano was inspired to seek a position on the school board after she read in The News-Times that some had called for the board to become more diverse.
“So I said why not?” said Miliano, a mother of three who immigrated with her husband to the United States from the Dominican Republic in her early 20s. “This is something important, and it’s something I’m always interested in, helping my community.”
The Democrat is the newest member of Danbury’s Board of Education, filling a vacancy left by Joseph DaSilva, Jr., who departed the board in May to run for the open probate judge seat. She was one of five candidates to be interviewed for the position.
She said her goal as a board member is to encourage families to get involved in the schools.
“For me, it’s pretty much create a great impact on my community, bring in those parents that don’t know anything about the Board of Education and make them aware of what’s going on,” said Miliano, who usually goes by Julie.
Miliano is the third board member to be appointed to fill a vacancy this year. Democrat Brigid Guertin took over after Joseph Britton left to serve on City Council, while Republican Ralph Pietrafesa filled Kathryn Hodgdon’s seat.
Miliano’s appointment, however, was not without some controversy. The Danbury Democratic Town Committee had endorsed Juanita Harris, a retired Danbury school counselor who had applied unsuccessfully to fill Britton’s vacancy.
In a 5-4 vote on May 31, the board appointed Miliano, with the Republicans supporting her and the Democrats voting against, according to meeting minutes. All candidates were asked the same set of questions and interviewed separately 20 minutes apart, the minutes state.
The Danbury Democrats said in a statement after the vote that Harris is “eminently qualified” and that they were “deeply concerned by the Republican Party’s actions and the implications it will have on future decisions not only on the Board of Education, but on all elected positions, boards, commissions, and councils.”
It was the board’s decision not to appoint Harris, a Black woman, the first time that had prompted the concerns Miliano had read about regarding lack of diversity on the school board.
Miliano said she wants Hispanic and Latino families to know that they have a voice, while helping those who may struggle to connect with their child’s education due to language barriers. She also wants to ensure she is serving the students and city she loves.
“I’m willing to talk and find common ground for everyone for the well being of my community,” she said.
Background
Miliano has learned about the importance of getting involved through a course she’s taking called the Parent Leadership Training Institute, offered through Families Network of Western CT, Inc.
“It’s one of the best programs I’ve taken so far,” she said.
Her community involvement includes the Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut and Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity, where she is an administrative assistance.
Miliano said she got involved with Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity, a Danbury-based organization known as LEAD, because the group advocates for the proposed charter school to open in the city.
She said she wants parents to have more choices of where to send their children to school. She praised the curriculum the school would offer.
“Once you see the curriculum, there’s no question about why not,” Miliano said. “That’s the main interest, you’re always looking for the best educational options for your kids.”
Miliano joins at least two other school board members who actively support the charter school. This includes Michelle Coelho, another member of LEAD, and school board Chair Rachel Chaleski, who is among the parents who pushed for the state Board of Education to approve an initial certificate of approval for Prospect Schools to operate a charter school in Danbury.
A different operator, Elevate Charter Schools, has since been named for the school, which cannot open until the state approves that new operator and grants operational dollars. A philanthropist donated $25 million to build the school.
Issues facing schools
Miliano moved to Danbury around 2007 because she wanted to “grow my family here.” Now, her oldest, Camila, is 12, her middle child, Cecilia is 9, and her youngest, Enzo, is 5.
“It’s a great community, it’s a great town and it was growing at the time,” she said.
Danbury and its schools are still growing, which has led to overcrowding in the buildings.
“It’s difficult because in my perspective that’s one of the biggest issues this district is facing,” Miliano said.
To address rising enrollment, Danbury has been adding classrooms. The addition to Ellsworth Avenue Elementary School is expected to be completed by the fall, while a new middle and high school is scheduled to open in fall 2024. Danbury also plans to add preschool classrooms at Great Plain Elementary School.
“I just want people to know that I’m here to work for the well-being of the community,” she said.