As you may know, I am campaigning for a seat on the Arlington School Committee.
I am running because our kids deserve the best possible education, and I want to make sure that we don't let them down.
Arlington's schools are facing tough times. It will take sound judgment, creative problem solving, an ability to build consensus, and a commitment to transparency to keep the promises that we've made to our children and to Arlington's taxpayers. I am enthusiastic about this opportunity to serve on the School Committee and optimistic about what I can accomplish there. I promise to put kids first and to support and respect our teachers and other staff.
- As a parent of two girls (a preschooler at the Sunshine Nursery School and a first-grader at Stratton), I have a vested interest in moving the focus of our efforts forward to ways that support our children's education and our teachers' job satisfaction, while recognizing our current severe budgetary climate.
- As a Town Meeting Member and past chair of both the Human Rights Commission and the Symmes Neighborhood Advisory Committee, I know how to bring people together, respect the opinions of others, and find common ground between varied points of view, in order to get things done.
- As a concerned citizen, against a backdrop of otherwise deep disagreements in our community, I spearheaded the publication of a statement of principles for civil discourse signed by over 1,400 people, including the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee members, and 60 Ottoson Middle School staff.
Working together, we can learn from the past, act in the present, and secure the future.
Sincerely,
Joe
