By Stann Chonofsky

It is not often that Lexington gets the chance to vote for a
candidate who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes in the very area
where she is seeking election.  Eileen Jay gives us all just such an
opportunity.

Eileen has been actively involved in helping other parents, and in
helping with school policy for at least the 8 years I have known her.
As a member of site councils, both at Clarke and at LHS, and as an
active participant at the weekly LHS parents’ discussion group, Eileen
has listened to problems, made suggestions when appropriate, and fed
back important ideas to administrators and School Committee members.
She has always done so in a polite and unassuming manner,
flying “under the radar screen” in order to make change and not simply
noise.  She has helped many many people by doing so.

Last year she took a leading role in the writing of the report on
student stress presented to the School Committee.  Her unique knowledge,
based on years of listening, provided a depth and relevancy to the
report that could not be questioned.  She is now on the Lexington Community
Coalition – Youth Initiative steering committee, a town-wide initiative to
reduce stress, support mental health, and take action on drug/alcohol
prevention in our youth.

Combined with her academic credentials, which include a doctorate in education
from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Lexington is
incredibly fortunate to have such a qualified, insightful, and hard working School
Committee candidate who is already up to speed on many of the critical
issues facing the schools.  I hope you will join me in voting for her.

Stann Chonofsky
Dee Road