Preston ― The municipal election might look uneventful this year, with the entire Board of Selectmen running unopposed, but as one of the few towns without a governing charter, races for town boards and commissions turn complicated quickly, with multiple ballot categories for some boards.

For the second consecutive term, Democratic First Selectwoman Sandra Allyn-Gauthier is unopposed for the top elected position, this time also cross-endorsed by the local Republican Party caucus. Democratic Selectman Jerry Grabarek and Republican Selectman Kenneth Zachem are also unopposed.

The Board of Education race features nine candidates, but they fall under two different ballot blocks – four running to fill the remaining two years of two vacant seats and five running for full four-year terms. Town Clerk-Tax Collector Jill Keith, also running unopposed, said the school board vacancy seats will be filled first on Nov. 7 in terms of calculating maximum party representation on the board.

The school board vacancy race features Democrats Michael Hinton and Laurie Castronova and Republicans Charles Raymond, an incumbent, and Nicole Serra. Only one from each political party will be elected.

The five candidates running for the full four-year school board term are Democrats Deborah Burke-Grabarek, an incumbent, along with Gay Collins, and Republicans Nathanael Lee and incumbents Courtney Ennis and Daniel Harris. Three will be elected, but not more than two from one party.

In telephone interviews and email responses to questions by The Day, all nine candidates cited budget issues and increasing enrollment as Board of Education priorities.

Hinton, 33, a professor of English and drama for Tunxis Community College in Farmington, said his 15 years of experience as a teacher from kindergarten to college levels would help him serve on the Preston board. Hinton said the town annually faces battles over the school budget, and he worries that key programs, such as Spanish language and enrichment classes could suffer.

“That’s not to say we’re going to be fiscally irresponsible,” Hinton said. “But our schools are underfunded, and our schools are starting to feel the brunt of that.”

Raymond, 62, a farmer and Republican registrar of voters, has served on the school board since 2007, except for three months after he lost an election and was quickly appointed to fill a vacancy. In addition to the budget issues, Raymond sees enrollment pressures. Raymond said Preston needs to revive the former building facilities committee to plan for space needs.

“It’s just common sense to be evaluating the buildings for general wear and tear,” Raymond said.

Serra, 37, assistant assessor in Waterford, said as a parent, she feels it is important to become involved to make sure the education process benefits students, teachers and the school system. She said more parental involvement would bring more transparency to the school system.

“Finding a balance between being fiscally responsible and providing an excellent education for our youth needs to be prioritized,” Serra said.

Castronova, 68, a physical therapist and adult education teacher for 17 years but now retired, said she has wanted to serve on a local school board for years and now has the time “to do the job properly.” Castronova cited the growing enrollment and aging school buildings as top issues.

She also said the school district soon will need to face the challenge of artificial intelligence in education and must establish policies and guidelines for how AI is used.

Harris, 53, a nuclear engineer at Electric Boat and a 15-year school board member, said inflation and population growth are top issues. Harris said the school district needs to be part of any discussions of both issues. Past projections of enrollment declines “are not happening here,” he said.

“Unfortunately, to me, it seems the (school) board is always left on its own, without input from the other boards and commissions,” Harris said.

Collins, 64, a retired Waterford teacher who now coaches teachers through the University of Connecticut, said she wants to serve on the board as a staunch supporter of public education. Collins said students and teachers are under enormous pressure, and she wants to make sure mental health issues are being addressed.

“I see public education as the best place to build a better future,” Collins said, “and school boards can have a profound impact on the direction that future takes.”

Lee, 31, an information technology network administrator and a U.S. Air Force veteran, said he is running because he wants to serve the school district where he grew up and where his 2-year-old son will soon attend school.

“The board will have to navigate forward with a budget that almost certainly has to go up as inflation continues,” Lee said, “while also understanding that some residents can’t afford to pay more taxes … or just simply don’t want to.”

Ennis, 47, an investigator with the state of Connecticut, was named to the school board in March to fill a vacancy. She has a 5-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter in Preston schools.

Ennis said school budget issues are dividing the town. She hopes to strike a balance, forming school budgets palatable to taxpayers and that directly benefits students.

“I think continued communication with the public is going to be key for the future,” Ennis said. “There needs to be a balance (to) keep our schools on the cutting edge of education and technology.”

Burke-Grabarek, a farmer with 20 years on the board, said the school board must work to ensure students and families receive the emotional supports they need.

“Working together, we can ensure that the success of our students is lifelong,” Burke-Grabarek said.

The election for Preston Board of Finance has similar complexities. Democrat Robert Castronova and Republican Max Zachem are competing for the one seat to fill a vacancy for a four-year term. Separately, Republicans Andrew Sawyer and John A. Moulson and Democrat Kayla Thompson are competing for two spots on the board.

c.bessette@theday.com