The recent “My Turn” in the Greenfield Recorder by Jennifer Markens from the Mohawk Trail Regional School District School Committee [“Great strides by Mohawk Trail schools,” May 19] was so inspiring to me that I wanted to jump in to say that Greenfield Public Schools can have nice things, too.
I am a member of the Greenfield School Committee and in my first 18 months I’ve learned that it is going to take lots of work, out-of-the-box thinking, more actionable gratitude to our incredible staff and even a complete shift in the parent/school relationship.
Can we do it? Not alone we can’t.
In order to further similar work, it’s time for Greenfield to step up to the plate and collaborate with local community groups and other school committees, and to actively get involved with our local legislators.
It’s so much more than just rubber-stamping and sitting at the John Zon Community Center in endless meetings. It’s about advancing and crafting policy, thinking and supporting long-term ideas, advocating with other districts, putting our weight behind what we believe in and making space for community input.
At the last election, the people voted for a new slate of three candidates to work on the Greenfield School Committee. We are here, working and volunteering, and I am going to sing our praises for a second and let you know that we have been making a considerable difference in business as usual.
So much has changed that I keep a victory poster in my office to remind myself what we are capable of doing and what we have accomplished so far.
Just a few examples of our advocacy are:
■School tours for city council and committee members.
■Parent surveys.
■Forums at caregiver locations.
■Child care at and transportation to these forums.
■Allowing public comment not tied to the agenda.
■Exit interviews for staff.
■In-person advocacy at the State House.
■Accessing our professional development funds for the first time to advance our knowledge.
■Allowing homeschoolers to participate in sports.
■Recording of subcommittee meetings so that you can follow along.
But we have more to do. If our advocacy efforts resonate with you, then it is time for you to think about joining us. There are three seats up for election this year.
As a lifelong Girl Scout and troop leader, I believe strongly in leaving all spaces and places better than you found them, and I plan to spend the remainder of my first term doing just that. So I’d love to have a coffee with you! Get to know your ideas and eventual platform, encourage you if I can.
Starting out with this kind of relationship is how we get things done even when we disagree. Being able to support each other from the beginning keeps a democracy healthy and gives us the strength to turn this glacier of local government toward better things.
Your first step is to go to town hall and pull nomination papers and to think about what you stand for and want to accomplish. Then please feel free to reach out. Your deadline is July 25 to collect all the signatures you need to get on the ballot.
Greenfield is full of wonderful supportive people who are willing to help elevate fellow residents in serving as elected School Committee members. I feel so lucky to have landed in a community of parents and educators who are actively and tirelessly working toward the best for their children.
I can’t wait to sign your papers!
Elizabeth de Neeve serves on the Greenfield School Committee.