The following letter to the editor was submitted by Andover resident Bonnie Zahorik, a former member of the town’s finance committee. 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.
During this School Committee campaign, some voices call for change and there are even signs around town that say “the status quo has to go”. This seems to imply that the incumbents running for re-election do not listen or are not focused on the need for change. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Emily DiCesaro and Sandis Wright are thoughtful leaders working with deep commitment to address challenges and move our schools forward. And they listen. During their tenure, many new ways to get public input have been put in place. I’ve experienced Sandis’ collaborative leadership style in his work with me on the ABC of Andover board. As a user experience design professional, the essence of Emily’s job is to listen to and balance input to effect positive change.
A school district is an ecosystem: teachers in the classroom, IA’s that support students, effective curriculum, coaches helping teachers implement curriculum, and administrators who develop and support staff. The SC does not have the luxury of focusing only on class size, solely on teacher pay, or on curriculum alone, but must consider and balance all components.
As a former Finance Committee member, I realize how easy it is to assume you have all the answers looking from the outside based on your private sector experience, and I also know what a rude awakening it is to discover the real answers are not so simple. Thoughtful leadership requires balancing many needs and making hard choices.
Sandis and Emily have climbed a steep and complex learning curve to understand the interconnected ecosystem that is our public school district. They have proven that they have what it takes to dig in, learn about the issues, listen to the community, and never forget that their most important commitment is to our students.
The leadership of Andover Public Schools is guided by a strategic plan with operational goals. Last year, two new voices were elected to the five member SC. Let’s balance those new voices with the continuity of experienced SC members. Please join me in voting for incumbents Sandis Wright and Emily DiCesaro next Tuesday to keep our schools moving forward.
Bonnie Zahorik
Former Andover FInance Committee Member
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