Dear Voter:
As a parent, taxpayer, and community activist for 15 years, I am passionate about and committed to excellence in Newton Public Schools. I am running for re-election to the School Committee for my fourth and final term because I feel that my experience, skills and energy can help build a stronger school system with classroom excellence for all and a fiscally sustainable future. I have served in the Ward 4 seat for nearly three terms and having moved to Newtonville I am now running from Ward 2.
As a parent, taxpayer, and community activist for 15 years, I am passionate about and committed to excellence in Newton Public Schools. I am running for re-election to the School Committee for my fourth and final term because I feel that my experience, skills and energy can help build a stronger school system with classroom excellence for all and a fiscally sustainable future. I have served in the Ward 4 seat for nearly three terms and having moved to Newtonville I am now running from Ward 2.
My wife Gail and I moved to Newton in 1996 with our two boys as the fourth and fifth generations of my family to live in Newton since the early 1920s. I am an environmental scientist with a Masters Degree in Public Policy from Harvard. As the director of the 180 person Division of Water Supply Protection that is comprised of professional and labor staff in multiple unions, I have direct experience in leading a complex public sector organization through major changes and working under tight budget constraints.
For the past 15 years I have been working to strengthen Newton Public Schools. Students in Newton, from kindergarten through high school, deserve a dynamic education system that fits their individual needs and prepares them well for an ever-changing global 21st century economy. Skilled, well prepared teachers should engage, inspire and challenge students and keep parents involved along the way. At the same time, the realities of today’s financial situation demand us to scrutinize all aspects of the school system for efficiency and effectiveness.
We are at a critical juncture right now with a new school superintendent off to a great start, a new senior management team that is set up to focus on great classroom teaching and learning, but we continue to face very challenging fiscal realities. My extensive school and work experience, commitment to innovation and continuous school improvements, and significant management know-how will help lead the School Committee in the next term.
The strength and reputation of our school system plays such a vital role for our city. We need to keep its strengths, deal with weaknesses, innovate with new ideas and technology, and work with our new superintendent to focus on great teaching and learning in our classrooms for all students.
I ask for your support and vote on November 8th.
For the past 15 years I have been working to strengthen Newton Public Schools. Students in Newton, from kindergarten through high school, deserve a dynamic education system that fits their individual needs and prepares them well for an ever-changing global 21st century economy. Skilled, well prepared teachers should engage, inspire and challenge students and keep parents involved along the way. At the same time, the realities of today’s financial situation demand us to scrutinize all aspects of the school system for efficiency and effectiveness.
We are at a critical juncture right now with a new school superintendent off to a great start, a new senior management team that is set up to focus on great classroom teaching and learning, but we continue to face very challenging fiscal realities. My extensive school and work experience, commitment to innovation and continuous school improvements, and significant management know-how will help lead the School Committee in the next term.
The strength and reputation of our school system plays such a vital role for our city. We need to keep its strengths, deal with weaknesses, innovate with new ideas and technology, and work with our new superintendent to focus on great teaching and learning in our classrooms for all students.
I ask for your support and vote on November 8th.
