I'm writing to voice my support for two outstanding candidates for School Committee, Jeff Thielman and Cindy Starks. We are fortunate to live in a community that has such high caliber, intelligent and effective candidates willing to serve on our school committee.

Cindy Starks has a proven record of getting things done in our schools that benefit all of our children. Through her many years of volunteering in the schools, she has shown herself to be a true leader, able to listen and to bring about important changes. In her work on formulating an allergy policy that makes our schools safer, her work on bringing technology into the classrooms, and her efforts in support of Stand for Children, she has been a tireless agent of positive and lasting change in the Arlington Public Schools. Cindy cares about children and schools, and will be a thoughtful and dedicated School Committee member.

Jeff Thielman has been working on behalf of our children for six years and is an experienced and compassionate leader. If re-elected, Jeff will be the only member of the School Committee who has served for more than one term.

With an interim superintendent and a young committee, we need some one with Jeff's experience on the committee. In addition to being a member of the Arlington School Committee, Jeff has years of professional experience working in the field of education. His hands-on experience includes the day-to-day running of schools, as well as with critical union negotiations and budgets.

One of the characteristics I most admire about Jeff is his willingness to take unpopular stands on controversial issues. Jeff listens to all sides, is accessible, and is truly interested in learning about what others have to say. 

We need School Committee members who are focused on helping all students succeed and are able to develop innovative and creative solutions to the complex issues the schools face right now. I know that Cindy and Jeff will bring to the School Committee the personal qualities and professional expertise to tackle the important issues in our schools and I urge you to join me in voting for them on April 4.