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Priorities
Are your schools doing better today than they were three years ago? As you know, the answer is yes. Three years ago is when I ran for my seat on the School Committee saying We can do more. And indeed, we have. But we can’t just stop there, and we certainly can’t lose ground.
When the down economy forces hard choices – and it will – it will be vital to be clear about priorities. Here are mine:
1. Put learning first – no matter what.
We must put learning first – regardless of other pressures. This will mean taking a hard look at the realities of what can and can’t be compromised. No matter what, we simply can’t let kids struggle – or let them coast. Academics must be appropriately rigorous, and the arts can’t be an afterthought. More information here.
2. Build a new or renovated Natick High School.
We must replace or renovate the Natick High School building and we must demand the absolute best value for taxpayers. We must in insist on absolute accountability, aggressive exploration of every possible funding source, and serious thought about future needs. And then we must work like anything for voter approval. More information here.
3. Work for a more united Natick: connect our community.
Natick belongs to all of us. Our next generation. Our older generation. Our long-time residents, our newcomers. Divisive issues like the high school team name, the override, and looming budget cuts have tested us in the last few years. And the challenges have only begun.
We don’t need to agree on everything, and we don’t need to be all alike. Nor are we ever all going to get everything we want, especially today. But we can make the hard choices that have to be made and still share a town. It will take fairness, openness, and making sure decisions are made for a reason. More information here.
