I attended the School Committee candidates’ debate last week because it has been increasingly important to me that we have a vibrant school system. As an “empty nester,” I have to make a decision about whether to stay in Harvard. The problems of the past two years demonstrate the need for Harvard’s School Committee to have the vision, compassion, and necessary experience and expertise to sustain what is clearly the town’s “centerpiece.” Going into the debates, I had already selected Virginia Justicz as one of my choices (and haven’t changed that opinion), but was open to hearing from the other candidates for the three-year term.
Brian Stevens will get my second vote. It feels right to have someone on the School Committee who has experience in a school system, not just as a teacher but as a participant in contract negotiations. He has also emphasized his understanding of the impact of the school budget (and incremental tax increases) on our fixed-income retirees. As I head into that demographic, I need to know that our schools are managed as a systemic part of a town value system and ecosystem that includes everyone. I urge other voters to take a good look at Brian.
Patti Anklam
Westcott Road
