VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

Please don't forget that the Amherst Town Election is this Tuesday, March 31st. Three candidates are vying for the two open seats on the Amherst School Committee. Given the dire budget outlook for the schools, this election will prove to be very important for the future of our schools. PLEASE GET OUT AND VOTE !! Turnout is expected to be quite low, and candidates can win or lose by a few votes, so it is especially important for parents of kids in the schools to let their voices be heard!

Polls are open from 7am-8pm. Please click here for official town
information on polling locations and to see facsimile ballots.

Statements from the Candidates for School Committee:

IRV RHODES

The Amherst schools face a budget deficit that threatens the very mission of our school system. This year’s budget deficit is part of an overall structural budget deficit that has largely been ignored in past years. We must as a school system dedicate ourselves to eliminating this structural budget deficit so that the schools can have a period of fiscal stability for five years. In order to do this we must have a plan that does not rely upon just one thing to close the budget gap, but relies instead upon a systematic examination of all areas of the budget and a community engagement process in this examination. This examination must include closing of Marks Meadow School, reopening contracts with school employees, redistricting, moving the sixth grade to the middle school, health care costs, increasing revenue, special education costs and administrative costs. Once the examination is concluded a plan would be crafted so that it could be implemented in school year 2010-2011. The guiding principles of the plan would be equity, excellence, community engagement and fiscal stability for five years. We all must support a system that looks at what is right rather then who is right.


STEVEN RIVKIN

I have a daughter at Fort River and a son excited to join her at the school next year. I believe that my experience as an education economist and my active involvement in the Amherst Public Schools, including attendance at virtually every School Committee meeting during the past two years, provide me with the knowledge and skills to help our schools during these difficult economic times.

The School Committee must work to fulfill Amherst’s commitment to social justice by intellectually engaging and supporting every child every day. To do so, we must provide a strong voice and the necessary resources in support of disadvantaged children. We also must set high expectations for all students and our teachers and administrators. In order to provide the best possible education, it is essential that we maintain a strong commit-ment to evaluating our programs and using evidence to make decisions. Although disagreement and challenging questions may seem divisive to some, I believe that open and respectful debate is a key to making good decisions. Discussion and disagreements can actually foster collegiality and trust by enabling all voices to be heard. We must also recognize that time does not stand still and that unwillingness to make difficult choices harms the very children we work to serve.

Thank you for your consideration—I hope I can count on your support on Tuesday, March 31.

MEGAN ROSA

Inequity and insufficient funding are challenges that our schools are facing. Many people aren’t being heard or feel un-empowered within the community. Every decision should benefit every child and resident. We must demonstrate thoughtfulness to children; plan long-term goals; consider multiple solutions for complex problems; plan for educational excellence; determine how to enrich our schools further. We should observe every school for it’s strengths and replicate them district-wide. Amherst is a strong community; we must work together to improve the experience for all children; experience that fosters a 21st Century child that the Town of Amherst can be proud of. Please read my website for a full understanding of what I would like to accomplish by being a member of the School Committee. www.meganrosa.blogspot.com
I am a graduate of the Amherst Schools and this fall will have three children attending them. I am currently the co-chair of Mark’s Meadow PGG, as well as a member of the School Governance Council and Diversity Committee. I was also a member of the Amherst Schools Organization Committee. I am truly dedicated to all children’s success in this town and would appreciate your vote to help me succeed with this challenge.