The following letter to the editor was submitted by Andover resident Amy Hafensteiner. 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.
My name is Amy, and I am a proud parent of three students in Andover Public Schools, spanning elementary and middle school. I have had the privilege of serving with Jake Tamarkin on the Budget Committee and can confidently say that he is exactly the kind of leader we need on the Andover School Committee.
Jake is incredibly smart, deeply knowledgeable about our nearly 150-page budget book, and unafraid to ask tough, but necessary, questions. His insights consistently push our group—composed of passionate parents, educators, and engaged townspeople—to think more critically and consider all angles of a discussion. This is no surprise, given Jake’s impressive financial expertise. He has held senior leadership roles, from VP to CEO, and brings years of experience from Ernst & Young and Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon.
As a Talent Acquisition expert, I know the importance of building strong teams that balance experience and fresh perspectives. Jake’s deep financial knowledge fills a critical gap on our current school board. Andover faces significant municipal finance challenges, and his expertise will benefit everyone—not just the 25% of us with children in the schools. Taxpayers across all areas of town deserve thoughtful, responsible financial stewardship, and Jake will deliver just that.
Jake is committed to ensuring our schools get the resources they need, but in a fiscally responsible way. I am a strong supporter of a new high school, but it must be thoughtfully designed to align with the Vision of the Graduate. Jake understands this balance. He will work to integrate the district’s long-term educational goals with financial accountability—ensuring we invest wisely in our students’ future.
Beyond his professional expertise, Jake has already demonstrated his leadership by advocating for the Superintendent to establish the Budget Council, improving transparency in our budgeting process. This was something he consistently pushed for at the special town meeting, and in newspapers. Its establishment and success is proof of his ability to drive meaningful change. But there is still work to be done, and I want to see Jake leading the way.
Jake has also been endorsed by the teachers’ union, a fact that should be seen as a positive, not a conflict of interest. Over the past five years, I have watched strong candidates—myself included—face baseless accusations for receiving this endorsement. Let’s be clear: if a candidate for School Committee isn’t seeking the endorsement of our teachers, they aren’t demonstrating a willingness to collaborate on achieving our district’s goals. The “us versus them” mentality between the School Committee and the AEA needs to end. If we want civility, real progress, and an end to embarrassing disputes that land us on the news, we need leadership that prioritizes collaboration over conflict.
The incumbents have had their chance to lead—and they have consistently voted in lockstep with the controversial chair, failing to bring new ideas or challenge the status quo. It’s time for a change.
If you want a School Committee member who will bring financial expertise, transparency, and a commitment to working together for the success of all Andover students, vote for Jake Tamarkin on March 25th.
Amy Hafensteiner
Andover
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