Two positions are open on the Westborough School Committee, to be elected in May. Here, in their own words, are brief bios and answers to four questions from the three candidates.
Michael Patrick Cashman – My name is Michael Patrick Cashman and I am a candid ate for the Westb orough School Committee. I am a civil litigation attorney and the father of two teenage daughters. I have served two terms on the Natick School Committee, and I am a huge advocate of public education. I ask for your vote at the Town Election on May 3, 2011.
Jody Hensley – She and her husband have two sons at- tending the Westborough Public schools. Ms. Hensley has participated in parent groups at the Armstrong, Fales, Mill Pond, and Gibbons Schools, and the Westborough Fine Arts Education Association. She holds a M.Ed. in Instructional Design, and a B.A. in Political Science.
Ilyse Levine-Kanji (incumbent) – A Chicago native, Ilyse graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 1988 and from UCLA School of Law in 1991. She practiced law in San Francisco and Boston until having children, and has enjoyed living in Westborough for 12 years with her husband and two sons.
What specific career or personal experience in your past do you feel prepares you for this position and why?
MC – I have served two full terms as an elected member of the Natick School Committee, a school district significantly larger than Westborough. For four years I also served as the Natick Delegate to the annual convention of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. I have two daughters, one a freshman and one a senior, at Natick High School. I am committed to the goals and mission of public education.
JH – As a legislative liaison for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, tracked annual budgets, legislation, and regulatory issues. As a senior trainer at a university research institute, developed curriculum and budgets for delivery of training to industry, municipalities and government agencies. Served as the facilitator for the Commonwealth Partnership, a strategic program between the University of Massachusetts (UMass) President's Office and numerous state agencies, which awarded innovation grants to faculty and senior agency officials for collaborative research, education and public service. As Trustee for the Baker Square Condominium, oversee budget and management of 260 residences in the historic Walter Baker Chocolate Factory.
IL-K- I have served on the Westborough School Committee for the previous three years, including as Chair this year. I have developed positive working relationships with officials at the state and local levels and with school administrators/staff. I am knowledgeable about state and municipal government, the intricacies of the budgeting process, and many different facets of Westborough's six schools and diverse student population. School Committee has been my “job.” I am deeply committed, hardworking, open-minded, and a problem-solver. Other assets include my legal background, having two children in the Westborough schools, and being an active Westborough community member for twelve years.
What is the biggest challenge you see facing the school district in the near future? What do you think can be done to address that issue?
MC – I believe that addressing annual budget issues is the biggest challenge of any school committee and I know that will be a big challenge that Westborough continues to face. The unfunded mandates of special education will continue to be a challenge as well. I will advocate for more state funding for special education to relieve some of that financial burden from the Westborough school budget. I will advocate for all students in the Westborough schools in order that they can realize their fullest potential while attending the public schools here.
JH – Continuing the tradition of excellence that has come to define the Westborough school system while working in a time of limited resources. This will require careful thoughtful evaluation of all the District's priorities and programs. Our talented faculty and administration should understand how much they are valued in delivering on their important mission – even in times when dollars are scarce. Engaging the most creative ideas for maintaining the quality of our programs on a tight budget will continue to be crucial. A vigilant search for a fair share of our state education dollars is also critical.
IL-K -The biggest challenge facing the Westborough Public Schools is how to maintain the excellent quality of our programs in a time of financial hardship. Over the past three years we'se closely reviewed many aspects of our system searching for ways to save money without impacting students” learning. We'se lessened our energy and transportation expenses and kept our supplies budget at a 0% increase for the past three years. We'se also diligently searched for additional revenue sources, like partnerships with local businesses, grant writing, and meeting with legislators to advocate for Westborough's equitable share of state aid. This work should continue.
In many towns, the school budget is 50% or more of the overall budget. What ideas do you have that will help ensure equity, so that the needs of the schools as well as the town will be met?
MC – I served fourteen years as an elected Town Meeting member in Natick. I am used to working with the Board of Selectmen as a former school committee member. I have been a practicing attorney for the past 22 years and I have an undergraduate degree in Business Administration. I will pay attention to the details of the school budget and I will prioritize those budget items that most directly affect teaching and learning in the classroom.
JH – It's no coincidence that strong, vibrant, economically viable communities usually have a strong school system at their heart. Good schools draw and retain families — which raises property values and therefore municipal revenues. But balance across all community needs and services, and fairness across generations and sectors, is critical for an inclusive, healthy, safe and sustainable community.
IL-K – In many Massachusetts communities, there is outright hostility between the “schoolside” and the “town-side” fighting over limited resources – which luckily is not the case in Westborough. I support the notion that we are “one town,” where officials should work together to provide quality public services in a fiscally responsible manner. I support continued meetings between School Committee members and other town officials to foster relationships, promote communication, and discuss shared values and town priorities. Given the difficult economic times, it is more critical than ever that we work together to ensure Westborough remains a vibrant and united community.
What is it regarding your personal history that makes you so passionate about public education?
MC – I have a brother Tommy with developmental disabilities who I graduated with from a public high school in Connecticut. Growing up with and going through school with my brother Tommy has made me more empathetic to all people with special needs. I have advocated for more state funding for special education since well before I was first elected to the Natick School Committee in 2001 and will continue to do so. In conclusion I believe that it is up to the educational leaders, the teachers and the administrators in a school district to work together to see that students are best prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead of them.
JH – I's a product of nearly 20 years of public education. My BA and M.Ed. are both from UMass. An educated society is the basis of a strong civilization. The end products of schools are the students who will work and serve and define our future. We need to serve them well to ensure a bright future for all of us.
IL-K – My parents instilled in me a commitment to serving my community. I tutored two sisters from inner city Philadelphia when I was in college, provided free legal services at a housing clinic during law school, and volunteered at a homeless shelter. When my sons started school, it was natural for me to volunteer my time in their school. I'se volunteered in the copy room and the classroom, been a perennial “room mom,” spearheaded various fundraisers and communitybuilding activities, and served as co-president of the Fales Parent Group for two years prior to my initial School Committee term.
