From the Lexington Minuteman, January 19, 2012

I’m writing to support Jessie Steigerwald for School Committee.  I’ve had the pleasure of watching Jessie serve, and I’ve seen her energy and commitment make a difference for students, families and taxpayers.  I hope to see Jessie continue.

Jessie made a great impression on me when, alone on the School Committee, she showed that she heard and understood the concerns that parents expressed about potential changes to the Extended Day program. She voted in favor of maintaining the existing program and supported a more gradual transition plan.

Jessie takes seriously the SC’s role of accountability and supervision.  She led the introduction of a 360- degree survey process as part of the Superintendent’s evaluation. She has also worked consistently to make the school budget – and the budget process – more transparent.

I don’t always agree with Jessie.  However, when we’ve discussed our areas of disagreement, a couple of things became clear to me.  The first was that Jessie respected and valued my input.  The second was that she thinks things through carefully before taking a position.  In the end, we could disagree on the solution while agreeing on the problem.  I’ll take that any day in a leader.

Our schools have some difficult decisions to make.  Budget problems will not go away.  Facilities and capital spending will remain key issues, including how to maintain or rebuild Hastings and how to keep up the high school facilities.   Our Superintendent will not be here forever, and we need a transition plan.  We won’t preserve educational excellence by standing still.  I’m glad we have Jessie to help lead the way.

I’m excited to support Jessie.  I hope you’ll join me. — Jeff Crampton, Precinct 5, Lockwood Road