We are, as a local, regional, and national community, at a pivotal moment in the history of our nation’s educational landscape. Researchers, journalists, and educators continue to expand our understanding of how children learn, how to best support their diverse needs, and how important accepting, welcoming communities are, not just for some, but for all children.
At the same time, direct and clear attacks on the facts and educational institutions abound. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has felt compelled, in the past month, to release updated advisories to schools on issues from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement attempting to invade classrooms to guidance on protecting students personal information and protecting LGBTQ+ kids in our schools. The blatant and frightening attacks on education and our communities from Washington present a clear need for calm, community-centric, science-based leadership from our School Committee.
Michael Williams is a scientist by trade and strong advocate for diverse learners by choice. In the next three years we have many typical, though challenging, decisions for the School Committee to make from a complicated budgets situation, in which many town public services are being cut, to curriculum and policy reviews, from collective bargaining to supervising the school superintendent.
As a lifelong educator, it is the unexpected, dangerous, and potentially volatile issues which compel me most to endorse Michael Williams today. Michael is a man of strong conviction, willing to build consensus while standing at the front, taking critical and sometimes disrespectful feedback with calm, collaborative, and productive aplomb. Michael will fight for what he believes is right regardless of the opposition; he will defend our neediest students and all our educators. Please join me in standing for facts, science, diversity, and inclusion by electing Michael Williams to the School Committee.
Matt Conroy
Barretts Mill Road
