I call them "coffee hours" - opportunities for residents to meet in a relaxed setting to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas about our schools with one of their elected school officials. These meetings were instituted during my campaign for School Committee. Following my election to the School Committee last March, I have been meeting on the second Thursday of each month, with the exception of July and August, ever since.
While it is true that I have my own perspectives and concerns on issues, it is an incomplete picture without the two-way communication with others of our shared community. I am truly grateful to those who take the time to meet. I have heard many important pieces of information that add to my understanding of budget and finances, special education, arts education, technology, professional development, school calendar, and more. Often, I will raise a constituent's perspective in the School Committee's "Member Concerns" portion of our meeting agenda. Other times, I am able to bring concerns forward following a presentation by the administration.