Welcome to our Voter Guide!

In short, we invited all candidates for the Amity Board to answer questions relevant to what the Board does. Our goal is to help you, the voter, get to know them better so you can make an informed choice when you vote, whether through early voting (starting October 20th) or on Election Day, November 4th.

If you want the full low down on the voter guide and our process, you can click the banner above to learn more!

Once you’ve learned about this candidate, you can navigate to the next candidate’s page down at the bottom or just click a town seal to see all the candidates running in the town.

Headshot of Ralph Marguy

Ralph Marguy (D) - Orange

“I’m Ralph Marguy, a proud Orange resident, firefighter, and parent of two children in Amity schools. My family chose this community for its strong schools and shared values, and we’ve been fortunate to experience the care and commitment of its educators and staff.

For more than 20 years in the fire service, I’ve learned that true leadership begins with listening, collaboration, and respect. Those same principles guide me as I seek to serve on the Amity Board of Education. My goal is to help ensure that every student is challenged academically while also feeling a strong sense of belonging.

As a Board member, I will work to keep students at the center of every decision, encourage open communication, and support policies that reflect both academic excellence and community trust.”

The questionnaire:

  • 1. What qualifications would you bring as a member of the Amity Board of Education?

    I bring over two decades of experience in public service, including my current role as a Fire Inspector and years as a firefighter. These roles taught me how to listen carefully, build consensus, and make decisions that put community well-being first. As a parent with children in Amity schools, I also bring the perspective of a family deeply invested in the district’s success.

  • 2. What would you hope to accomplish in the next term as a member of the Board?

    My goal is to ensure that every student is both challenged academically and supported personally. I would focus on strengthening communication between families, staff, and the Board so concerns are addressed early and constructively. I am also committed to supporting programs that promote student engagement, whether through strong academics, athletics, or extracurricular opportunities that help students discover their strengths.

  • 3. Do you have any concerns about academics, curricula, or extra curricular opportunities (athletics, clubs, etc) at Amity?

    Amity already provides excellent academic and extracurricular opportunities. My focus would be on maintaining these high standards while ensuring balance across academics, arts, and athletics. Every student—regardless of their interests—should feel they have a place where they can grow and thrive.

  • 4. On what basis do you think the job performance of the Superintendent of Amity Schools should be evaluated?

    The Superintendent should be evaluated on student outcomes, fiscal responsibility, support for educators, and responsiveness to families and the community. Success should also be measured by the ability to create a positive learning environment where students and staff feel valued.

  • 5. What are the primary criteria you would bring to considering the administration’s annual budget proposals for the Amity district?

    When reviewing budgets, I look for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with the district’s mission to provide excellent education. Proposals should meet student needs while respecting the investment of taxpayers. I also believe Board members have a responsibility to explain their votes clearly and publicly, with examples when possible, so the community can understand and trust the decision-making process.

  • 6. How do you view the respective roles of the Board, Amity administration, the State of Connecticut, and the federal government in determining curriculum in the district?

    Curriculum should follow state standards and proven educational practices, with input from local teachers, administrators, families, and the Board. The Board’s role is to provide oversight and ensure the curriculum is rigorous, balanced, and reflective of community needs.

  • 7. How would you weigh your responsibility as an elected representative of your town and your duty to support the district as a member of its Board?

    I am committed to representing Orange families while recognizing that decisions must serve all students across the district. My approach would be guided by fairness and a focus on student success, paired with open communication with my town and all members of the community.

  • 8. How would you approach making decisions at Amity that may affect parents who also have students at the elementary school(s) in your town, such as those regarding the Amity schools’ calendar or a later start time at the middle and high schools?

    How would you approach making decisions at Amity that may affect parents who also have students at the elementary school(s) in your town, such as those regarding the Amity schools’ calendar or a later start time at the middle and high schools?

    I recognize that Amity serves only middle and high school students, while our elementary schools are overseen by their own Boards of Education. That said, some Amity decisions—such as the district calendar or potential changes to school start times—directly impact families with younger children as well.

    In approaching these issues, I would collaborate closely with Orange’s elementary school leaders to ensure alignment where possible, and I would actively listen to parents whose children span both systems. My goal would be to balance the needs of middle and high school students with the realities of family life, making sure decisions are well-communicated, transparent, and considerate of the broader community.

  • 9. How would you make sure that everyone - including parents and students - feels welcome in the district, regardless of their political views (conservative, liberal, or moderate), faith, cultural background, race, or how they view themselves?

    Every parent and student should feel welcome at Amity, regardless of background, beliefs, or identity. I will support practices that foster respect, collaboration, and open communication. When everyone feels seen and valued, students are more likely to succeed.

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Don Farnen (CSO)

Don Farnen (CSO)

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Christian Young (R)

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Don Farnen (CSO)