Fran Walsh

You most often hear Fran Walsh described as a gentleman, a scholar and a man of principle. Those who know him best, also appreciate his quick wit and his ability to remain cool, calm, collected and fair-minded in every situation.

Fran is the only running mate Unk DaRos ever considered. Unk says, "I respect Fran's ability to analyze problems clearly and to help work out solutions. I would not be running for First Selectman without Fran Walsh. We're a real team."

Fran Walsh has devoted more than thirty years to educating Branford's children and working to improve Branford's schools. After graduating from Notre Dame High School and later from Southern Connecticut State University (Class of 1961), Fran began his education career in the classroom, teaching 5th and 6th graders.

Given his leadership skills, it didn't take long for Fran to begin serving as a teaching principal. He then became Branford's first Elementary Supervising Principal. Along the way, Fran also earned a Masters Degree in School Administration and a 6th year degree from Fairfield University.

In 1970, Fran was named Principal of the Branford Intermediate School, a position he held for 24 years. His contributions to education throughout his tenure were extensive. Fran earned state and national recognition for designing a new concept that utilized team teaching, block-scheduling and applied art programs to create a more child centered format for middle school students.  Fran's approach became the celebrated model for new schools around the world. And in appreciation of Fran's dedication to education and to Branford's children, the middle school has been renamed the Francis W. Walsh Intermediate School in his honor.

Fran retired from the Branford Public Schools in 1994 and was then elected to serve three terms (1997-2003) as Second Selectman in the DaRos/Walsh Administration.  Fran has served on many committees over the years, including Connecticut Middle Level Education organizations and locally on the Human Services Board, the Branford Community Foundation Board and the Corporate Board of the Branford Festival.

Fran is married to Martha Link Walsh, a Branford native and well-known artist who has operated a retail studio in our town for the past 34 years. He has three children and seven grandchildren.