Patch Candidate Profile: Susan Riccio, Orange Board of Education

ORANGE, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Orange, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.

Orange Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Susan Riccio, 60, is running for a seat on the Board of Education in Orange as a democratic Candidate.

Education.

MA - Applied Mathematics and Anaytics from Wesleyan University. BA in Business Management and Administration from Gettysburg College.

What is your occupation?

Retired Strategy and Business Consulting Executive with Accenture (20 years). Currently teaching mathematics at Gateway Community College (4 years).

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Zack (son) 20 years old.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Currently serving on the Orange Board of Education (10 years)- Executive committee, Secretary of the Board, Finance Chair, Policy committee member. Former policy chair, building and grounds committee. Currently serving on the ACES Governing Board as Chairman of the Board, Building committee member. Former Finance chair and Fiscal officer, Policy committee.

Why are you seeking this office?

I enjoy giving back to the town of Orange and the school system. It’s important to me to continue to support our excellent education by being fiscally responsible, optimizing our resources and providing our children with the best education professionals.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing issue in education is providing the best education in the safest environment yet also tailoring the educational approach for each student to learn optimally. I intend to support our educational leaders, educators and staff with the tools they need to continue to be successful. Our job on the board of education is to hire the best superintendent, set policy, and submit/manage a reasonable budget.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have the experience on the Orange Board of Education for over 10 years, have 20 years of consulting with large organizations, deep skills in optimization of resources, budgeting, strategy and management. I also have been an Orange resident for most of my life and attended Orange and Amity schools.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I’d like our residents to know more about what the schools are doing and be aware of the amazing things that are going on in our classrooms.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Over 20 years in consulting, 10 years on the Orange BOE, over 6 years on the ACES governing board, prior and current teaching experience.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do your best, be kind and help others if you are able.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a dedicated professional who is committed to the town of Orange, to the Orange BOE and to our students, and educational professionals.

Does your campaign have a website?

https://www.orangectdems.org/