Wheeler Re-Elected to R20 Board of Education

Susan Wheeler will maintain her seat on the Region 20 School Board, representing Goshen for the next four years. Wheeler won the election 158-126 at a Town Meeting held at the Goshen Center School gym on June 30. She was the incumbent, having taken over the position vacated by Jannelle Carroll, who resigned in March. In a Special Town Meeting election held at that time, she defeated Scott Fellows to fulfill the rest of Carroll’s term. Fellows is now a contributing writer for The Goshen News.

This time, Wheeler was challenged by Gretchen Ewers, a Goshen resident who has been teaching 6th grade English and Language Arts in New Milford. Wheeler ran on a platform of experience and deep roots in the town.

“Goshen is my home,” Wheeler said. “I raised a family here, built a business here, and fought for this community for decades – not with words but with action.” Accordingly, her most pointed criticism of Ewers was centered on the lack of experience in Goshen.

“My opponent is new to this town, new to the process, and new to the depth of the challenges we face in Goshen,” Wheeler said. “Her intentions may be good, but this moment demands more than good intentions. This moment demands experience, objectivity, and a genuine connection to the people who have built this community over decades, not just the last couple of years.”

Ewers in her speech pointed to the need for better transparency and communication, and mending the relationship between the district and residents. As a relative newcomer, she pointed to the divides that she’s already seen in town – and the need for unity in order to get the district on track.

“I've spoken with many people who have moved their young families into town over the last few years and they have said they moved here largely because of the education system,” Ewers, who taught in Florida before moving to Goshen, said. “If we want our town to continue, we must keep young families moving in as real estate becomes available.

“The one way to ensure that happens is to keep the town's good reputation for education alive. The relationship and trust must be mended, or the district may not survive. And that will cost us more than money.”

The voting process was orderly and efficient, taking just some 30 minutes in total, including the nominating and candidates’ speeches. It was a stark contrast to the 2024 election, which was described at the time as chaotic and disorganized, and was marred by allegations of procedural improprieties.