Rachel Marino

Board of Education

Full Name

Rachel Marino

Position You Are Running For

School Board

Professional & Community Background

Rachel Marino has dedicated her career to education, teaching students from third grade through post-college. Her experience spans both public and private schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education and a master’s degree in Elementary and Middle School Teaching. In addition to her classroom experience, Rachel currently owns and operates an academic support and intervention company that works with students of all ages to build literacy, executive functioning, and academic confidence. She also serves as an outsourced Orton Gillingham reading interventionist for the Somers, New Milford, and Danbury school districts through a local, private academic counseling company.

Beyond her professional work, Rachel has been deeply involved in community service. She served as PTA president for her former district’s middle school and was an active volunteer leader within that district’s PTA. She also sat on the board of the Children’s Advocacy Center in Brewster, NY. Rachel and her family have been proud residents of Ridgefield for the past eight years, and she continues to be inspired by the commitment and excellence of the town’s schools and community.

Rachel is running for re-election to the Ridgefield Board of Education because she is passionate about supporting students, teachers, and families in creating a strong and balanced educational experience for all learners. Having worked with students across all grade levels, she understands the importance of early intervention, academic rigor, and social-emotional well-being. Her background as both an educator and small business owner allows her to bring a practical, informed, and student-centered perspective to every decision. Rachel firmly believes that education should rise above politics; the focus must always remain on putting kids first. She is committed to continuing the work of fostering excellence, transparency, and collaboration across the district.

Priorities If Elected

Put children first in every policy decision, recognizing that it’s our responsibility as adults to guide and support their academic and social-emotional growth.
Promote transparency from the Board of Education and school leadership so families and community members are informed, involved, and confident in the district’s direction.
Ensure fiscal responsibility by making sure district funds are appropriately allocated and spent where they have the greatest impact on students.
Focus on long-term planning to ensure the sustainability of our curriculum and policies beyond current administrations and leadership changes.
Strengthen alignment between the community, the Board, and district administration so that goals and values reflect the priorities of Ridgefield families.
Support special education by assessing whether we’re doing enough to meet the needs of all learners and ensuring equitable access to resources.
Evaluate curriculum to confirm that it challenges students, promotes innovation, and prepares them to be leaders in an evolving world.
Foster collaboration over conflict by moving away from a “gotcha” mentality and building genuine partnerships focused on student and staff well-being and success.

Personal Background

Rachel lives in Ridgefield with her four sons, a 2023 graduate, twins who graduated in 2025, and a freshman at Ridgefield High School. She also helps raise her partner’s two children, whom she lovingly calls her “stepchildren”, a son who graduated with her twins and a daughter who is a freshman alongside her youngest. Outside of education, Rachel is an avid saltwater fisherman. When not fishing, Rachel is a huge music enthusiast who follows all things Grateful Dead, Goose, and Billy Strings; a true fan of the jam band world.