To the Editor:

With three open seats and a new mayor coming on board, next year’s School Committee will look – and act – quite differently from this year’s.  New and old members will have to quickly master complex budget, contract, capital planning and academic policy issues.  When old and new members of a group work well together, everyone benefits. 

I’m writing to urge you to return Claire Sokoloff, Renee Murphy and Jonathan Yeo to the committee and to bring Margie Ross Decter aboard on November 3. 

Claire, Renee and Jonathan have worked countless hours to keep school policy and decisions moving forward over the past two years.  We need their collective memories of options considered and decisions made to help new members gain depth and perspective.  We need their energy and their commitment to improving all aspects of our schools.

Margie has the intellectual energy to grapple with complicated issues.  I like that she can see the big picture.  Whether in public meetings or behind the scenes, I’m sure that Margie will quickly become a valued member with her thoughtful analytic approach.  Her knowledge of health care benefit structure will be an asset to the contract negotiating team.

We are extremely fortunate to have so many exceptionally talented candidates this year. Please vote to send Renee Murphy, Claire Sokoloff, Jonathan Yeo and Margie Ross Decter to School Committee on November 3.

Thank you.

Linda Green
54 Goddard St.
Newton