To the editor:
As a new school-aged mom, I’ve started paying much closer attention to what’s happening in our schools, and like many in the community, I understand the frustration and hesitation around increasing school funding. When there’s a sense of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and poor communication, it’s hard to feel confident that resources are being used wisely. But instead of giving up, now is the time to lean in and support the kind of leadership that can rebuild that trust.
That’s why I’m supporting Kate Schmeckpeper for School Committee.
Kate represents the kind of thoughtful, balanced, and forward-looking leadership we need. Her commitment to good governance—something that’s been lacking under the current committee – is critical. As Kate has laid out, good governance means staying focused on what the School Committee is actually responsible for: setting policy, managing the budget, and hiring and overseeing the superintendent. When those responsibilities are handled with discipline and integrity, everything else works better – from classroom instruction and teacher retention to facilities upkeep and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
It’s clear that we need a change from the current incumbents. We can’t keep doing things the same way and expect different results. Kate brings a fresh perspective, a collaborative approach, and a focus on students, not politics. She understands that rebuilding trust starts with transparency, accountability, and listening. She’s not afraid to ask tough questions, but she also knows how to work toward solutions grounded in facts and input from educators and experts.
After the damage done by the recent strike and ongoing dysfunction, Kate is the breath of fresh air we need. She’s exactly the kind of leader who can help repair the relationship between the schools and the community and start building a stronger foundation for the future.
Melissa Clucas
Puritan Road
