I have closely monitored the Concord School Committee for over 10 years, and was a member from 2016 to 2019. My observations and participation during this time are the basis for several conclusions I have come to concerning the performance and effectiveness of our School Committee.
The interaction of the superintendent, the chair, and the other members is extremely important and needs to be professional. It is vital that the committee encourages robust deliberations which reflect the values and concerns of the residents of this town. For these high-level discussions to take place, members must represent differing views, likely come from different backgrounds, with different life experiences, and not be like-minded before deliberations begin.
In the last two years several process missteps have taken place that a more balanced and less single-perspective committee could have avoided. The financing of the amenities building at CCHS, the budget discussions with the Finance Committee a year ago, the mismanagement of the METCO program, and the lack of effective communication exhibited during the middle school naming process are examples.
The endorsement of school committee candidates by sitting members, which regrettably started about three years ago, will result in the continuation to the status quo, as will serving for more than two terms and candidates campaigning as a team.
Michael Williams, M.D., will work diligently to get us back on the right track. He is fiercely independent, will ask all necessary questions, and listen carefully to the answers and act accordingly. Michael will emphasize and focus on academic excellence and mental health relative to every student, ensure continued financial support from our voters, by working cooperatively with other town committees, and help create strong school-oriented support for the environment and sustainability.
Please vote for Michael.
Bob Grom
Mildred Circle
