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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, November 1, 2019 Page 13 Joseph D. Gould Linda N. Gaieski School Committee Member Arthur Grabowski Former School Committee Member Darren S. Ring Ryan P. Fisher William A. Marchand, Jr. Thomas R. Whittredge ASKS | FROM PAGE 12 put on the 2021 ballot. Example: Elections for the BOS would be TWO members in 2023, 1 member in 2024, and 2 members in 2025. I would volunteer to be put on the first ballot in 2023. Change would happen, but gradually, which is better for the Town. I’m a product of a recall where the voters wanted change and because of this, the Town is now prospering greatly. Highest Bond rating ever. The most robust stabilization fund ever. New Parks and Playgrounds. Christopher R. Jones: Two years from now, the single most thing I would want to be remembered for by the residents of Saugus is to look back at my first two years in office and say that Chris Jones was always accountable for his decisions, fiscally responsible and on day one, was very transparent about everything happening in our community. Ultimately, I would want them to look back at the election and recall their decision to vote me into office as a spark of positive change for our community and to re-elect me into office. Michael A. Coller: Since my candidacy for Selectman in 2017 and “run” for State Representative in 2018, my message has been crystal clear and conviction in seeking an honest sound government has been unwavering. I would like to be known as a “political visionary” who predicted during the 2017 Selectman debate the Wheelabrator/Resco debacle, “doom and gloom” of privatization and the “Break Up of The Fabulous Five.” All which have fallen on “deaf ears.” As the cold and flu season hits, so does the “voter let’s forget season.” The only antidote is...............Vote Michael A. Coller. Selectman 2019. Former Selectman Michael J. Serino and Alberto V. Morgante did not respond to several email requests for comment. School Committee Candidates School Committee Member Linda N. Gaieski: I would like to be remembered for being instrumental in forging a common vision and partnership among stakeholders to effectively bring about positive change in the quality and delivery of education leading to improved MCAS scores and a closing of the student achievement gap. I will have done so by advocating for the alignment and appropriate supervision of all programs necessary to carry out the K-12 grade reconfiguration, writing and amending policies necessary for, and ensuring students’ social-emotional needs, to provide a quality education for all students’ future success, and thus ensuring the future success of education in Saugus. Joseph D. Gould: If elected would like to be remembered for being part of Committee that lowered or eliminated the cost for students to participate in after School Programs, (Sports, Band, Drama, etc.) As I have written previously, after School Programs are a very important part of Students education for teaming, leadership, problem solving, social and interpersonal skills. Studies show it also helps with improving MCAS. Core curriculum is important, but so are developing other skills to prepare for college, workforce, trades or Military. We also need to help Saugus parents by lowering their costs to have Students attend Saugus District Schools. Former School Committee Member Arthur Grabowski: FREE UNIVERSAL ALL DAY KINJohn S. Hatch Former School Committee Member DERGARTEN is the foundation upon which Saugus can build a legacy as a high performing school district. To become lifelong learners we have to establish a sound foundation for the students. Full-day kindergarten helps make sure that students build a strong base of learning they will need to succeed throughout school and life. How many times do we have the opportunity to give back monetarily to the community. Full-day kindergarten will increase student achievement. It will offer social, emotional and intellectual benefits to kindergarteners. It is cost-effective in the long run. It will better prepare students for first grade. Darren S. Ring: At least level funding. I know it sounds like a long shot but I believe the town has the capital to fund it fully. We have some of the best teachers and staff around. Without full funding we will continue to go backwards year after year. Ryan P. Fisher: I hope people will look back in two years and say the next School Committee worked constructively, behaved like professionals, and genuinely listened to everybody’s feedback, especially kids, and they feel confident and hopeful about the future of Saugus schools. No amount of tinkering with the salad bar fixes a restaurant with a bad reputation. Once we can get the confidence back, then students feel safe at school, teachers want to work here, and parents keep their kids here, or dare I suggest, bring them home to Saugus. Fixing this mess first requires trust that must be earned. William A. Marchand Jr.: I want to be remembered for finding a way to bridge the gap between the school administration, teachers, parents, Jeanette E. Meredith School Committee Chair and students while bringing up test scores. If we are supporting our teachers from the top down, then we will see it trickle down to the students and parents. The morale is currently low from all involved, but if we can improve communication and at the same time hold everyone accountable, our district will be moving in the right direction with rising test scores over the next two years. Thank you. Thomas R. Whittredge: If elected, the single most important thing that I hope to be remembered for in two years? There are many important issues facing our district. The one that I feel the School Committee can have the most effect on over the next two years is working with my fellow committee members to create a smooth transition from six schools, to a three-school model. A transition that includes 21st century teaching and is inclusive to students of all backgrounds. Former School Committee Member John S. Hatch: I hope I am able to facilitate a change in the district’s culture. A culture that is one of respect, to all, a culture that celebrates district success, and students achievement. I hope we have offered a free all-day kindergarten for all Saugus residents. I hope we have a district where all students activities have very low, to NO user fees. Most important, a professional, collaborative, and supportive school committee, that encourages educational initiatives, by our administration, and faculty to ensure district wide success. School Committee Chair Jeanette E. Meredith: If reelected to the School Committee, I hope to be remembered for my work towards changing the way education is delivered in our school district to provide the best possible education Stephen M. Horlick and opportunities for our children, bringing the new grades 6-12 Middle-High School construction project to completion, and the development and implementation of a new, comprehensive, 21st century Pre-K through Grade 12 District-Wide Education Plan and grade reconfiguration for the entire district. I believe these initiatives will help close the academic achievement gaps. Please vote for me to continue this exciting progress – I am #9 on the ballot! Thank you! School Committee Member Marc C. Magliozzi: If elected, I hope the people of Saugus will remember that every decision that I make is in the best interest of the Children. The students are the #1 priority and every decision and action should be based on that. I want to truly raise the expectations for each student and we have started to do that. I want to make sure that the number of students exceeded state expectations increase while those needing improvement decrease. The students are the true consumer in education. Thanks for the time to answer and for asking the candidates these questions over the past month. Housing Authority Candidates Housing Authority Member Maureen E. Whitcomb: There is a tremendous need for more affordable housing in Saugus. I would like to see more housing for families. Currently Saugus has eight family units, two three bedroom and 6 two bedroom units. The next few years will be very important for this issue. With schools closing this gives Saugus a chance to develop more family housing. It would be great to have a builder work with housing and the town to create a solution. SeASKS | SEE PAGE 16

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