by Olga Guttag
This year we have strong candidates vying for two seats on the School Committee. I am most impressed by Eileen Jay, whom I met during last year’s election campaign season, and with whom I have worked on assorted school-related issues ever since.
Eileen has devoted her life to education, has a graduate degree in an area of education that is most important, and – most of all – has worked as a volunteer in our schools for about 20 years. She did not just stick to the classrooms that her children attended. She offered her considerable skills system-wide. This background gives her an excellent understanding of the programs we offer at all levels in our schools, and their strengths and weaknesses.
A School Committee candidate who has solid working knowledge of school system operations can be an effective elected member from the start. Eileen will have enough knowledge to understand what questions to ask, and how to evaluate proposals the administration will bring to the School Committee. From my talking to her I know that she will use her rich background to ask the tough questions and, applying her considerable analytical skills, will help her colleagues and the Superintendent strengthen our already excellent schools.
Since Eileen is and always has been a collegial, supportive and modest person, she will be a true asset to the School Committee. I expect that our new superintendent will appreciate taking some of Eileen’s ideas and running with them in her usual energetic way. I can’t wait to see the positive energy Eileen will bring to the School Committee.
On March 1st please join me in casting one of your School Committee votes for Eileen Jay!
Olga Guttag, Former School Committee Member
Emerson Road