While we recognize and respect the long service and commitment of Alexa Anderson, we believe it is time for a change on the School Committee.
Our superintendent appears to place loyalty above constructive, honest disagreement — and the School Committee follows her lead. Even with all that the superintendent is accomplishing, the superintendent’s narrow-mindedness is a flaw that inhibits the development and vitality of our whole school system. Last year, with the middle school naming, the superintendent’s early assertion of her preferred policy outcome resulted in a divisive slog that could have been avoided had the School Committee, under Alexa’s leadership, spent more time demonstrably listening to the public and developing a credible independent rationale.
While the School Committee policy is to respect the recommendation of the superintendent, it is not to loyally obey it. The School Committee should work with but not for the superintendent; foremost it both serves our students and represents our whole community. Alexa Anderson has not been independent enough to assure that our superintendent sees differing views as more than obstacles.
We think that our community’s trust in the School Committee suffered under Alexa Anderson’s leadership, and we have seen nothing new that suggests a change in her approach to School Committee service. This will be Alexa Anderson’s fifth year on the School Committee. Her re-election would place her on the committee for a total of eight years. The norm in Concord is to serve for no more than six. There are two capable and committed alternatives ready to serve our students and community, and we think that their service now will do better for Concord.
Kristin and Eric Moore
Frances Street
