To the Editor:
I chaired the SBRSD Superintendent Search Committee in 2013 and have attended School Committee meetings and sub-committee meetings since 2017 as an Egremont Selectman. More in sorrow than in anger, I have concluded the following about the current School Committee members:
- We don’t need members who are disinterested in public discussion during public meetings;
- We don’t need an atmosphere of intimidation and condescension;
- We don’t need more litigation;
- We don’t need micro-management of a first-rate Superintendent and her team.
Recognizing the current centers of excellence and overall high quality of the SBRSD, I have concluded:
- We need members with fresh ideas;
- We need members who listen, engage and show respect for diverse views;
- We need members with kids in the schools, who are vested in this community;
- We need members pro-active in changing State foundation budget formulas and transportation policies and funding so that teachers can teach.
This is much bigger than the Egremont School, although the current Committee’s treatment of this community treasure and hub of education for citizenship is indicative of pervasive problems impacting the entire district.
We want to give parents and community members a reason to engage, not disengage. Bright, energetic, serious, working people are stepping forward. I urge you when you vote on November 6th for School Committee to consider these fellow citizens:
- Alford – Jeffrey Blaugrund
- Egremont – Kenneth Knox
- New Marlborough – Jane Burke
- Sheffield – Jonathan Bruno and Timothy Schroepfer
George McGurn
Egremont
