Especially in these difficult financial times the School Committee needs experience, balance, and a big-picture perspective. Stu Sklar brings those to the table.
Stu has already established connections at the regional and state levels and is in a position to continue his work on looking for funding solutions for local schools. He has effectively led teacher contract negotiations, and it is vital to have his knowledge and experience when renewal comes up next year. Stu was instrumental in securing the Devens contract, the money from which has saved perhaps six teachers at a time when schools across the state and nation are laying off and shutting down. More opportunities for regional cooperation may lie ahead and Stu has the advantage of already being part of the network.
In a small town with people of different values and philosophies, it is important that the School Committee represent that diversity. We need Stu to continue to be a strong voice in debate. He has at times been charged with being too impassioned or acting impulsively. Perhaps, but I am persuaded that at those times Stu has been motivated by reasoned commitment to a belief and never by a personal agenda. We need Stu’s informed dissent and his courage and ability to see an idea through.
The charge to a school committee is to see the big picture, to oversee budget and policy, not to micromanage the schools within its jurisdiction. I believe Stu wants to let the educational professionals make curriculum and management decisions that are for the good of the entire system, not to become overly managerial with specific issues best left to the determination of the people directly involved.
I don’t want us to take steps to “smooth over” the controversies within the School Committee; I want us to reelect Stu so we can keep struggling with the appropriate boundaries of the group and arguing out the best course for the future of education in Harvard.
Carlene Phillips
Oak Hill Road
