Submitted by JoAnn Santiago
I am excited to announce that I am seeking nomination for a second term to the Bedford School Committee at the Town Caucus on January 8, 2019. I ask for your support at the Caucus and your vote in the Town Election on Saturday, March 9.
Many new residents choose to move to Bedford for our wonderful schools, and my family was no different when we bought our home here 15 years ago. My daughters have nearly completed their education in our public school system, and I would like to help ensure other families have an experience as positive as ours. Our town is what we make it.
In my nearly three years on the School Committee, I have had the privilege to work with my fellow School Committee members to review and approve operating budgets, policies, contracts, and school improvement plans, while remaining within the Finance Committee budget guidelines. I have also worked with the school building task force on the additions at the Lane and Davis Schools and served as the School Committee appointee to the Capital Expenditure Committee and the Bedford Youth and Family Services Committee.
This has been exciting and interesting work, and there are more challenges ahead. Like other Massachusetts communities, Bedford needs to successfully complete the transition to MCAS 2.0. The Davis School addition will be completed next September, and we need to move ahead with plans to expand John Glenn Middle School and renovate Bedford High School to meet current and projected enrollment growth. Bedford Public Schools must continue to help each of our students with special needs achieve his or her personal best by offering the customized support necessary to meet the student’s specific and unique needs, even in the face of potential budgetary challenges anticipated in future years. We all need to support the system’s work to change attitudes about race and diversity, ensure students feel the impact of this work and feel valued and heard by fellow students, faculty, and staff. Thanks to some of our student leaders at Bedford High School, that work is off to a good start. Finally, the School Committee needs to support adoption of Challenge Success at Bedford High School, to ensure our students are resilient, engaged and possess the social and emotional skills necessary to be successful, well-rounded adults.
I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue working on these important issues with the other members of the School Committee, the School Administration, and our colleagues on other town committees.
I respectfully request your vote in the Town election on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
Editor’s Note: Bedford’s Town Caucus will take place at 7 pm on Tuesday, January 8 in the Reed Room at Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way
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