New mom Emily DeJoy has joined at least three other candidates running for School Committee this June. There are two seats up for grabs with incumbents Sarah Fox and Alison Taylor’s terms ending. Fox is running for re-election. As of Monday morning, April 14, Taylor had not taken out campaign papers.
“As an investor, I’m excited to bring a fresh, strategic approach to managing our schools’ budget, ensuring it not only meets but accelerates our educational goals and priorities,” DeJoy wrote to the Current. “As a mother, I’m excited to work tirelessly to create the best possible learning and community environment, where our children can thrive and reach their full potential with the support from our educators and administrators.”
DeJoy attended Marblehead schools through ninth grade when she followed in her family’s tradition of enrolling at Cushing Academy.
She wrote that her three goals for a School Committee term are:
- “Maintaining focus on academic excellence.”
- “Continue improving the budget provided to the School Committee, ensuring that funds are properly allocated and carefully planned for future projects.”
- “Bringing joy back to our children’s education is essential. When I was in school, things weren’t as controversial. We weren’t divided into many different groups; instead, we thrived as a community, respecting each other’s diversity. “
Dejoy also serves on the Marblehead Republican Town Committee.
On the issues
DeJoy supports allowing only one flag on school property — the U.S. flag.
“If students wish to express their personal beliefs or affiliations, they should have the freedom to do so through personal choices, such as their clothing,” she wrote on her website. “However, we should not grant any particular group the authority to speak on behalf of all, as this could introduce bias into our schools.”
Dejoy supports the $6.8 million debt exclusion override to fix MHS’ leaky roof. Town Meeting approved $5.3 million two years ago, but the project never started. It now includes HVAC additions.
Dejoy wrote that “moving forward, it is critical that we do not propose future budgetary figures unless we are absolutely certain they are correct. Accountability and precision must be our priorities to maintain trust and fiscal responsibility.”
On executive orders banning DEI language and curricula in public schools, Dejoy said, “From what I have seen the interim commissioner of DESE (the Department of Early and Secondary Education) has confirmed that the state of Massachusetts is in compliance with federal civil rights laws. Should federal or state laws change, I would look to our trusted and experienced superintendent to guide us through any hypothetical changes.”
Asked if she supports the METCO program in Marblehead, DeJoy answered, “The METCO program has been a part of the Marblehead school district for over 50 years and offers a valuable opportunity for children in Boston to attend school in our community. I believe their commitment to showing up every day, away from their home and working to advance their futures should be applauded.”
The Current asked DeJoy if she supports efforts to dismantle the Department of Education.
“The Marblehead School District is directly regulated by the state of Massachusetts,” she wrote. “If the Department of Education were to be dismantled, the primary concern would be identifying alternative sources of funding, should state or federal contributions be impacted. Based on my initial review of the budget, such a change could potentially result in a reduction of approximately $1 million, or about 2% of our overall budget. In the event of a shortfall, I would work closely with the superintendent and his team to thoughtfully and responsibly manage the situation.”
In addition to DeJoy and Fox, Kate Schmeckpeper and Henry Gwazda are also running for School Committee.
To learn more about DeJoy’s candidacy, visit dejoyforsc.com.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
