Letter: Parent Supports Election of O'Neill, Rabin, Francis, Dayton

Dear Editor,

My professional work for nearly 25 years largely centered on coalition building in the nonprofit sector. I worked on challenging, complex, seemingly intractable issues such as the International Criminal Court, women’s reproductive health, and affordable housing. I witnessed first-hand the unexpected progress advocates – who often had a history of competing for resources or on policy nuances -- can make when they are able to identify common ground to advance a specific initiative.

As I enter my fifth year as a mother in the Greenwich Public Schools, I’ve felt my “lens” zoom in from the international to the local. But my core values have not changed, nor my belief in what approach leads to progress. I care deeply about a high-functioning, professional, and intelligent Board of Education. I am looking for members who show up and commit to the extraordinary work involved in the position. I want members who have experience and wisdom. I want these elected officials to treat our administrators with respect, even as they work to improve performance or adjust a work plan. And mostly, I want a Board of Education that works collaboratively – that understands that the ability to find common ground is what leads to progress for our schools, for our community, and especially for our children.

For these reasons, my BOE slate is: Barbara O’Neill, Lauren Rabin, Gaetane Francis, and Jennifer Dayton. I believe in these candidates and their ability to support our teachers and serve our students.

Shelly Cryer
Old Greenwich