55°
To the edior:
We look forward to voting for Jen Gerken, Suzanne Grant, and Beth Staropoli for the Bedford Board of Education. Jen and Suzanne have consistently considered the district's financial situation while keeping our students a priority.
In the midst of a very heated budget season, we have seen Jen Gerken maintain a fair and civilized manner. She has set the tone of board meetings to be respectful and has encouraged her fellow board members and the community to do the same.
From Suzanne, we've seen dedication and thoughtfulness throughout each difficult decision, and in the face of harsh and unwarranted personal attacks, both Jen and Suzanne stand strong in what they believe and continue to work tirelessly for our district.
Notably, what we have not seen from Jen and Suzanne are erroneous, vague and unsubstantiated statements, hypotheticals and so called plans without a detailed or thoughtful explanation. Statements about what "should" be cut without considering specifics (both the financial and the logistical) are counterproductive and detrimental to the process.
Jen and Suzanne have both proven that they have a keen understanding of the schools' functions and have been fair and balanced with our children's experiences. They understand that above all else, each and every decision is about our [collective] children.
In addition, we strongly feel that having Beth, a former educator, on the board is an extremely wise decision. A school district is not a corporation. The backbone of this system can't merely be broken down between cost centers and income producers. The educational system is unique, there are legal and structural intricacies that can't be brushed aside and can't be taken for granted.
To have the expertise of an educator would be an enormous asset to this district, but to have a former educator who has been part of this school community for most of her life is truly incredible and ensures that students will always be at the forefront of the board's decision-making.
Please join us in supporting the school budget with a "Yes" vote on May 17, and voting for Jen Gerken, Suzanne Grant and Beth Staropoli for school board!
Lauren Schwarzfeld, Erica Beck, Margaret Davis-Cerone
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