A School Committee member needs to understand that each child is the future.  Most of us understand this and act knowing that the future is only as good as what we (as adults) provide the child.  In most cases, if the child does not succeed, it is not the child’s fault but rather what the adult did or did not do.

Jessie Steigerwald understands that.  She looks at the possibilities in a child and then nurtures them.  She steps back and observes each situation to ensure that the child is creatively a part of the process while being a problem solver.  I believe this insight is intuitive for Jessie, but I also think it has been fostered by her involvement as a parent, manager, and town coordinator in Destination Imagination.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Jessie in Destination Imagination, a non-profit organization devoted to teaching children three essential skills: creativity, teamwork and problem solving.  Jessie has embraced this concept and allowed the children that she interacts with to flourish.  She developed a summer program to continue to provide this format for children.  It was delightful and empowering as an educator to work with an elected representative that understands a positive way to impact a child’s life.

Her approach of critical thinking, observation then creative solutions is demonstrated in her recent term as a School Committee member.  Jessie provides the voice of the children!  Jessie provides a comfort level for those of us that need a representative that realizes each child has the potential for greatness!

I’m going to vote for Jessie on March 6th and I hope you’ll join me.–Fay Backert, Wyman Road

We elect school committee members who embody the skills and characteristics that we feel will forward our efforts to provide what is in the best interest of students and the community.  I believe that Jessie Steigerwald has done this during her first term and she deserves to be re-elected to continue to do this.  I have personally worked with Jessie for many years and am always impressed with her energy, determination, open-mindedness, curiosity and understanding.  Jessie loves Lexington and truly is concerned about its many diverse issues and how schools are impacted.

I have had the pleasure of working directly with Jessie on the LSC Policy Sub-Committee.   Jessie is an invaluable member of the group.  She consistently recognizes all aspects of an issue and logically and rationally advocates for all students fairly.

Jessie and I have also worked together for the past two years on the “Lexington Then and Now” project.  Jessie has tremendous insight into what needs to be done for all students so that the “Lexington turning 300” celebration will involve everyone.  We have written grants, networked with other communities, involved teachers and social studies coordinators and department heads, at all levels, through her efforts.

Jessie is gifted organizationally. She is always committed to having teachers play a key role, yet she diligently tries to not place any demands on their time.  She, however, does have high expectations for herself.  Jessie works tirelessly in her capacity as a School Committee member.  She is smart and compassionate.  Her way of being a problem solver is to research, involve others, share the work and come to consensus.

I admire Jessie greatly.  She listens, understands the issues, places students first, and has an amazing work ethic.  Our School Committee is enhanced by her presence.  Please join me in supporting Jessie Steigerwald. — Barbara Manfredi, Precinct 2, Taft Avenue

Please join us in enthusiastically supporting Jessie Steigerwald for re-election to the School Committee.  As members of the school community at both Hastings and Diamond, and as co-presidents of the Diamond PTA, we know firsthand her commitment to every student in Lexington.  She sees the big picture, as when she successfully advocated for restoring the K-5 Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator position, but she never loses sight of smaller (but no less important) things, as shown when she encourages a shy or hesitant child to join a before-school Destination Imagination activity.

Jessie excels at building community and in drawing new people into the conversation. Whether it was leading the effort to raise money for new playground equipment at Hastings, working as an active volunteer in many other activities there, or as a PTA co-president, Jessie worked very hard to create a strong partnership between parents and teachers in order to provide the best possible school experience for children.  She has demonstrated the same commitment to building partnerships in her time on the School Committee.

Jessie is thoughtful, creative, fair, energetic, practical, ethical, and a problem-solver.  We are very fortunate to have a person of her character and caliber on our School Committee.  –Carin Casey, Manning Street, and Sandy Kahn, Wood Street

I enthusiastically endorse Jessie Steigerwald for School Committee.  I have worked with Jessie for many years in my former role as K-5 Science Coordinator in Lexington, and now in her role as an organizer for Lexington’s 300th Anniversary events.   I find her to be passionate about giving each child in Lexington the best education possible.

Jessie is hard working, organized, and can always be counted on to fulfill commitments. In addition, I see many examples of her creativity and  problem-solving skills, whether working on science projects as a parent volunteer, or in the community.  All of these qualities have served her well as a School Committee member for these past three years.

As a member of the School Committee, Jessie is always available to hear citizen, staff , or administration concerns.  I especially appreciate that she is willing to speak out when she feels that these are not being adequately addressed at School Committee meetings.  Her decisions are well thought out, and reflect input from the community as well as the school side.  Of course, I especially appreciate her as an advocate for excellent science education K-12, as well as other important curriculum areas.

As a School Committee member with a proven track record as an intelligent, dedicated and responsive representative, Jessie earns my vote on March 6, and I hope she will receive yours!! – Fran Ludwig, Wyman Road

Fran Ludwig
19 Wyman Rd.

Jessie Steigerwald has been a stalwart champion of excellence in education, common sense in management, and a realistic “don’t expect handouts” approach to financing the educational projects she has championed.

I first saw Jessie at work on the Hastings School Council. Jessie was remarkably effective at making sure the meetings were productive, that everyone had the necessary information, and that records were kept and policies followed accurately. Jessie then went on to champion the Hastings playground equipment renewal project. The new playground equipment at Hastings is so much nicer than what was there before, all because of volunteers like her, who found ways to motivate the entire community in raising funds and working with the administration to get the project done.

Jessie knows how to keep in mind the children’s needs, the administration’s requirements, and what can reasonably be expected from the Lexington community.

Finally, last year, I spoke to the School Committee to express my dismay at Dr. Fiveash’s and Mme Girondel’s departure. My concern is that teachers such as those are the heart and spirit of an educational institution. When we let them leave, we may save a little money in the budget, but the entire institution loses its richness, its vibrancy, and its ability to motivate and inspire students: its reason for being.

Jessie was the member of the School Committee who picked up on testimonial such as mine and tried to do something about it, exploring the reasons and dynamic of such losses.

For someone idealistic in her goals, but pragmatic in her strategy, someone who really only cares about building an excellent school system for the children, Jessie Steigerwald has my whole-hearted vote.– Reem Yared, Hastings Road

I have known Jessie Steigerwald for the last nine years and I want to share with you some of the reasons why I am voting for Jessie for School Committee.

First, as a former classroom teacher and curriculum director, it is important to me that our school committee members understand the fundamentals of a curriculum that is both rigorous and engaging for students. Jessie has the experience to appreciate how professionals go about implementing the curriculum and what types of support they need along the way.  Jessie’s experience includes:

(1) Advocating for the restoration of the K-5 Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator to support all elementary teachers and students.  This helps in different ways.  A curriculum coordinator provides support, coordination and inspiration for teachers in a particular academic discipline.  At the classroom level, the coordinator provides teachers support around new units so that teachers can focus their attention on work with students.  At the school-wide level, the position supports the collaborative work teachers undertake in their Professional Learning Communities.  At the town-wide level, the district is able to support a K-12 curriculum review, which makes sure that all students will experience an educational progression that meets the new Common Core State Standards.

(2)  Advocating for increases in capital budget to put up-to-date technology in teachers’ hands with appropriate professional development so teachers would be supported to make best use of ELMOs, interactive white boards and laptops.

(3)  Advocating for adequate budget allocations for professional development and teacher mentor programs to support all of our teachers.

Please join me in voting for Jessie Steigerwald for School Committee.  We need a person who understands the important work that the teachers in Lexington do and someone who can help make educationally sound decisions. — Tammy Mulligan, Taft Avenue

I was glad to learn that Jessie Steigerwald is running for re-election to the School Committee. I have worked with Jessie on many school-related initiatives and know her to be a quick study, a can-do optimist and a creative problem solver.

What I find unique about Jessie is that she continually invites new people into the process.  Jessie builds community one person at a time.  To borrow a phrase from Malcolm Gladwell, she is a “connector” and wants to hear all voices at the table.  Lexington needs Jessie Steigerwald at the table. – Janet Lane, Hayward Avenue

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

Jessie Steigerwald is a number one choice for School Committee.

As a former member of the School Committee and as someone who has worked with Jessie on the LSC Policy Sub-Committee for more than a year, I know that she has been an excellent advocate for Lexington’s school children, their parents, and the Town as a whole. With regard to all of the vexing issues of policy that we have debated inside the sub-committee, she has always seen the big as well as the small pictures, and has stood squarely for better and sensible educational choices. Her re-election will greatly advance the cause of education for our students.–– Robert I. Rotberg, Precinct 3, Barberry Road