The following letter to the editor was submitted by Andover Select Board Chair Laura Gregory. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Andover News. You can learn more about our policy on opinion and commentary on our Mission and Policies page.
I am writing to support Sandis Wright and Emily DiCesaro for Andover School Committee. It is critical that we continue to elect good leaders that listen well and bring people together to continue to improve Andover’s schools.
Budget issues continue to be at the forefront, and it is essential to have leaders that understand municipal finance and state laws. Sandis and Emily have put in the work for three years learning the budget levers available to best support our schools and students. They are creative, but also realistic, and know necessary requirements within the limitations of available revenue and applicable law. For example, Sandis and Emily are the only candidates running for School Committee who demonstrated an understanding of the appropriate use of “free cash” last year, when other candidates were advocating to use one-time money to prop up a multi-year operating budget problem.
Sandis and Emily have each shown themselves to be strong leaders who will continue the hard work of advocating for the children of Andover to have the best possible educational opportunities. Their experience and background matters when it comes to ensuring Andover continues to raise the bar toward academic excellence.
They both have the experience, background, willingness, and enthusiasm to do the hard and necessary work on the Andover School Committee.
Please join me in voting for Sandis Wright and Emily DiCesaro to keep Andover and its schools moving forward and doing so within the legal and fiscal parameters of today’s municipal budget.
Make a plan to vote on Tuesday, March 25 – polls are open from 7am to 8pm.
Laura Gregory
Chair, Andover Select Board
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