I am proud to support Alexa Anderson and Sandeep Pisharody for School Committee because they embody what it truly means to be leaders in our community. Their records speak volumes — not in rhetoric, but in action. Both have volunteered countless hours with organizations like Parent Teacher Groups and the Concord Education Fund which play a critical role in supporting and enriching our students’ education. That’s what real leadership looks like.
Dr. Michael Williams has no such history of community volunteerism. Instead, he’s spent his time at School Committee meetings publicly disparaging committee members, our superintendent, and even our students. One of the most disturbing moments came at the October 22 meeting, when he stated that the “corrosive effect of our nation’s perspective on race… permeates everything.” He went on to point out that middle school students who acknowledged a white committee member were “unable to grant the same acknowledgement to one person of color.” Intimating that racial bias was at play with those students is unacceptable and that it “permeates everything” simply isn’t true.
I encourage all Concord residents to watch the October 8 and October 22 meetings online to see for themselves. Dr. Williams said he felt “scolded” and “threatened” at a subsequent meeting for expressing these views, and filed a legal complaint against the School Committee with the Attorney General’s office. This is hardly the collaborative presence we want on our School Committee.
Our School Committee members are volunteers who work hard and should be held accountable — but not disrespected. A campaign built on hostility cannot build trust or serve our students. Alexa Anderson and Sandeep Pisharody offer the vision, compassion, and dedication our schools deserve.
Carolyn Hallinan
Baker Avenue
