Candidates for Board of Education

A Norwich native, Mark was educated in Norwich Public Schools and attended Cornell University. He earned a BA in Biology and then worked as a travel agent/manager.  He earned a JD from Quinnipiac School of Law and is a registered Patent Attorney.  He is admitted in Connecticut courts and is a member of the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.  He is running for his fifth term on the Board of Education, serving the last two years as the Chair of the Board. He serves on several City Boards and has been the Debate coach at NFA for the past eight years.  He has interests in foreign languages, music and the arts as well as sciences.  He seeks to improve the lives of all students by striving to continually improve Norwich Public Schools.

​A native of Danbury, CT., John is seeking reelection for a second term. John received his BS from CCSU, Masters Degree from Idaho State University and 6th Year Degree from SCSU. He retired from Norwich Free Academy after a 45 year career. John has been active in the Norwich community serving on various organizations. He was a member of the Norwich LL Board, Chairman of the Norwich Recreation Advisory Board, past President of the Otis Library Board of Trustees and is a Norwich Free Academy Corporator. He has been recognized for his involvement by the Norwich NAACP, Backus Hospital and was selected as  Norwich Italian of The Year. John will continue to focus on providing a quality education for all students in the Norwich Public Schools.

Ella Myles, MS, CPC is a member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe and an incumbent for the Board of Education. She is currently seeking re-election for her second term on the Board of Education. She currently works as a Grants and Contracts Specialist for a major University. She received her master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Johnson and Wales University and is currently completing her Doctorate in Business Administration. Ms. Myles has an extensive background in healthcare, grant writing/administration and historic preservation as well as chairing national level committees. She has received numerous awards for academic excellence and is a member of Alpha Phi Sigma, a national criminal justice honor society. Ms. Myles currently serves on multiple boards and commissions in the city.

She was the first Native American elected to city council and the Board of Education in the history of Norwich. She continues to advocate for academic excellence and opportunity for all children in Norwich and encourages minority and female representation on the city’s boards and commissions. Her interests include travel, cultural exchanges, and the arts.

Kevin Saythany was born in Elgin, Illinois and has proudly called Norwich home since 2004. A graduate of Norwich Free Academy (Class of 2010), Kevin went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut after beginning his studies at Three Rivers Community College.

Dedicated to public service, Kevin has served on several city boards and commissions, including past president of the Norwich Public Schools Education Foundation, and is currently seeking reelection to the Norwich Board of Education. His passion for education and community is rooted in his own journey through Norwich schools, having attended Kelly and Teachers Middle Schools before graduating from NFA.

Beyond his public service, Kevin works as a Life Skills Instructor with The Arc Eastern Connecticut, where he supports individuals with disabilities in achieving independence and opportunity. He is also a committed volunteer, giving his time and energy to initiatives that strengthen Norwich and uplift its residents.

Kevin believes in the power of education to open doors, empower families, and shape a stronger future for every child in Norwich. His commitment to service, community, and equity continues to guide his work on the Board of Education and beyond.

Chris Milton is a lifelong Norwich resident, NPS graduate and currently an elementary school teacher with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. She has raised two sons and now has a child attending Norwich Public Schools, giving her a strong personal and professional connection to the community. In addition to her career in education, she has been actively involved in youth sports and scouting, supporting the growth and development of young people outside the classroom. She is dedicated to ensuring that every student, family and educator has the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.

A Norwich native, Greg was educated in Norwich Public Schools and attended Eastern CT State University. Following graduation Greg dedicated much of the last 20 years serving the youth of our committee as a teacher and coach most recently at Norwich Free Academy and the Integrated Day Charter School. He works as a union representative for the Connecticut Education Association.  Greg and his wife Beth are most proud of their 2 children ages 16 and 11.  He is running for his third term on the Board of Education because he believes Norwich needs thoughtful and collaborative decision makers working on its behalf.  Greg makes decisions based on a careful analysis of the facts after listening to all voices and involving stakeholders on important issues. He believes that through hard work and collaboration we will continually improve Norwich Public Schools.