To the editor:
Dear readers: My name is Jenn Decker, and I’m writing in support of Melissa Clucas for School Committee. We moved here from another district, after realizing the town we were in lacked a group of forward thinkers and people who were proactive and progressive when it came to the needs of our town, specifically in regards to the public schools. Not to mention not feeling super welcome as a queer couple raising children there. Among other issues — having a higher needs kiddo in the schools.
We moved to Marblehead at the recommendation of many friends, and after working in the town for 10+ years, we felt we would be surrounded by likeminded, kind individuals and that our eldest, who had struggled in school, would be safe, challenged and well cared for in the public school system. One of those friends was Melissa Clucas. Melissa, her husband and three girls live here in town, and as I’m sure you’ve heard or seen, she was appointed to an open School Committee seat a few months ago.
I started as an employee of Melissa and her husband, Nick. Their nanny to be exact. She was an incredible employer, and led with kindness, clear boundaries and great communication. I saw first hand how she beautifully balanced parenthood, a professional life, advocacy work and more. Post employment, Melissa helped foster a friendship between us and our children, which has been nothing short of priceless. Despite our somewhat opposite lives, Melissa was and has remained relatable, kind and caring. Her eldest, in school with mine now since we have moved, welcomed “the new kid” to public school with open arms, kindness and an eagerness that made my daughter feel welcome, a true testament in my opinion to the type of family the Clucas family is.
Knowing someone like this could continue to sit in a position of power in our town reminds me of why we moved here in the first place. Another person that truly cares about Marblehead and its schools. Not only is she more than qualified professionally, but having seen her management style up close and personal, I know she has the true potential to do amazing things in that seat. We have seen it first hand already, and I know many of us have been consistently impressed with her transparency, explanations and openness.
Melissa has the knowledge to make a true difference on the school committee. She’s educated. She’s invested in this system. She’s relatable. She’s kind. She has fresh ideas and perspectives. She possesses all the attributes you would want for a non-problematic, helpful and useful School Committee member. I encourage you all to sit down with her. Learn about her. Ask the hard questions! Look at what she’s already done and provided for the school committee. If you do that, I’m sure you’ll be impressed!
Jenn Decker
Pond Street
