I was born in Arlington, attended Arlington Public Schools, and my two daughters are now students at the Pierce Elementary School. Like many parents, we’re worried about what budget cuts will do to our children’s education.

As I watch this year’s School Committee election, one candidate has emerged as the person best prepared to address the serious fiscal challenges facing our schools. That candidate is Jeff Thielman, and I enthusiastically endorse his re-election.

Over the past six years, Jeff has stood for excellence and accountability at every level of our school system. He has been the leader in the effort to ensure that students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) receive the services they deserve, has pushed the school district to improve course offerings so that our students are better prepared for the challenges of the 21st century, and has lobbied on our behalf at the state level for more funds for our schools. He is always willing to meet with parents and others to talk about school issues, and regularly seeks dialogue with those who don’t always agree with the positions he takes, an important quality in a community leader.

Jeff has demonstrated that he can take a vote or a position that is not popular with every interest group in the community in order to do what’s best for children. One thing we parents know when watching Jeff Thielman work on the School Committee is that his number one constituency is the children and young people who attend the Arlington Public Schools. He sees his job, and the job of every member of the School Committee, to be an advocate for students.

We need Jeff Thielman on the School Committee. He is the most senior member on the committee, understands how the committee works, has years of experience working with town leaders on fiscal issues, and brings expertise and experience to the upcoming Superintendent search.

Please join our family, many people in the Pierce community, and thousands of new and old Arlingtonians in voting for Jeff Thielman on April 4.