The following letter to the editor was submitted by Jayashree Mohandas, who ran for school committee in 2024 and is president of the Andover Coalition For Education. 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 offer my full support for Emily DiCesaro’s re-election to the Andover School Committee. Through my extensive experience working in leadership positions on several PTO/PACs and ACE, I have seen firsthand the importance of committee work, which requires relationship-building, collaboration, and compromise to advance the common goal of providing the best possible education for Andover’s children. Emily has demonstrated these qualities throughout her first term on the School Committee, making her an essential asset to the committee and our community.
Emily’s ability to work collaboratively is evident in several key areas of her service. She has been instrumental in bargaining contracts for Andover Public Schools employees, always striving for agreements that benefit employees balanced with fiscal responsibility to ensure we continue a high level of service to our students and our community. Her efforts to increase and expand communication between the School Committee, families, students, and the community have helped create a more informed and engaged community.
Above all, Emily understands that the heart of our educational system is the students. She believes that student inclusion, engagement, and opportunity are essential for providing a truly meaningful and enriching APS experience. She works tirelessly to make sure that these principles are at the forefront of every decision made by the School Committee.
As an incumbent, Emily understands the boundaries of the School Committee’s role, which is critical to building solid working relationships across the district. Her ability to collaboratively and productively navigate these boundaries with professionalism and respect will ensure that time is not lost in continuing the progress our district is making for students.
Now is the time to continue with experienced and independent leadership who will carry forward the positive work happening in the district. I urge you to join me in supporting Emily DiCesaro’s reelection to the Andover School Committee this Tuesday, March 25th. Her leadership and dedication to our students make her the ideal candidate to help Andover’s schools continue to thrive.
Jayashree Mohandas
Andover
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