I will be proudly casting one of my votes for school committee for Jeff Thielman. Jeff is running for re-election not to settle a score, but simply to continue trying to improve educational opportunities for our kids. Jeff's day job is helping poor urban kids gain access to decent schools. After that job is done, he has worked long hours doing the work of the School Committee. As a School Committee member, Jeff has always promptly returned phones, listened attentively to parents’ concerns and followed through on his commitment to solve problems. When my wife and I had problems with our elementary school, Jeff did yeoman's work investigating the situation and helping resolve the problem. We know he approaches the job with a clear focus on trying to figure out what is best for the kids in our schools. When controversies have occasionally surfaced in the school system, Jeff has always stayed focused on the needs of the kids. Sometimes this made other stakeholders unhappy.

However, we need leaders like Jeff who will stay focused on the core mission of the schools. As a parent and as someone who has represented public employees for over 20 years, I feel strongly that Jeff will put the needs of our kids first, and be attentive and thoughtful to the needs of parents and educators.