I am voting for Stu Sklar for School Committee. Here are the reasons: Stu has two children in Harvard Schools; this fall he will be the only School Committee member who will know first-hand what is going on inside both schools. Stu has recognized that Harvard is not getting its fair share of state (Chapter 70) funding—for example, Harvard receives $1,107 per student while Boxborough receives $2,500—and he is doing something about it: he went to the selectmen and was appointed to represent Harvard on the Suburban Coalition (towns working to seek legislative changes to Chapter 70, to increase suburban state aid); he developed the website SOSHarvard.org to raise awareness about this issue within Harvard and is organizing citizens in town to participate in state rallies, legislative campaign writing, and other advocacy efforts to effect change in our town and school financing. Stu will use his position on the School Committee to push the state aid formula and funding issues. The School Committee, selectmen, and Finance Committee have done little in this regard. His track record to date shows me that something may finally get done—at least the effort will be there 100 percent.
Stu is a very down-to-earth guy—he is open to listening and learning from parents, students, teachers, and administration. He doesn’t profess to know it all and is willing to work with anyone who has a good idea. He works from home, so he has the flexibility to commit to the job. Stu has been my neighbor for six years, and I believe he is one person who could make a difference.
Terry Symula
Candleberry Lane
