The Greenwich Board of Education met briefly Monday night to fill two Republican vacancies which opened after the resignations of then-Chair Dr. Michael-Joseph Mercanti-Anthony and Wendy Vizzo Walsh. In attendance were Democrats Sophie Koven, Veronica Chiavaroli, Bob Chaney, and Karen Hirsh; and Republicans Karen Krause and Paul Cappiali.

Krause nominated Jeffrey Csoka for one of the available seats, describing Csoka as a lifelong Republican with experience overseeing large capital projects. “He has a strong track record of leadership throughout his distinguished 25-year military career where he retired at the rank of colonel, and in his subsequent civilian career where he now serves as director of construction and facilities sourcing at a major university. He and his wife have two children who attend Greenwich Public Schools. He has a strong commitment to contribute to the town, and he has a hybrid work schedule which affords him the ability to do so. I heartily recommend this candidate.”

Cappiali nominated Jonathan Katz for the remaining seat, saying Katz “has children in Greenwich Public Schools and is a practicing attorney who brings legal expertise the board needs… He was a strategic pick. We’re excited to have him. Katz earned his Juris Doctor at Seton Hall University and a B.A. in Media Studies with a minor in Philosophy at the University at Buffalo. He’s a very well-rounded gentleman, very pragmatic, very thoughtful, and I think we can all say we’re looking forward to having him on the board.” 

Both nominees were elected unanimously.

From left: Town Clerk Jacqueline Budkins, Jeffrey Csoka, Jonathan Katz

Csoka and Katz were sworn in Thursday, September 3, and will serve the remainder of the vacated terms through the November 2027 municipal election.

The first meeting with public comment is the September 24, 2026 Business Meeting, planned at Cos Cob School.