The Harvard School Committee is critical to our town. First, it is responsible for the education of our children. We all take that very seriously. Second, it is responsible for the largest portion of our town budget. We all take that very seriously as well. That is why we need the best qualified, most dedicated people we can find who can balance our concerns.
This year we have two candidates, Stu Sklar and Kirsten Wright. To help make a wise voting decision, I compared their qualifications. Stu has been a member of the committee for several years. He has been said to be passionate about the schools. While watching School Committee meetings, I have noted Stu’s passion spilling over into the way the meetings have been conducted. Unfortunately, rather than bringing a sensitive attitude with willingness to compromise, at times he has brought dissension.
In another example of his passion, Stu ramrodded through a second contract extension for Superintendent Jefferson. This contract included an extraordinary, two-month addition beyond the normal term. This longer term qualified the superintendent for a larger pension. This one act alone will cost the town an extra $24,000 in salary and benefits that didn’t have to be expended and could have gone toward improving the schools. Passion without concern for fiscal responsibility is not a desirable attribute.
I believe that Kirsten Wright will also bring the same, high level of passion for our schools, but will work with the other members of the committee in a calm, equable manner. Her intelligence and long experience as well as her depth and breadth as an educator will help her balance the needs of the schools with the needs of the town, and then provide new insights to the committee in its decision-making process.
I concluded that Kirsten deserves to be elected and will improve our already strong committee for years to come.
Anthony J. Marolda
Jacob Gates Road
