Connolly Says She Has The Vision and Determination To Lead the Framingham Schools

Heather Connolly is seeking re-election to the Framingham School Committee.

Last night, she held a kick-off event for her campaign at La Cantina Italiana restaurant in Framingham.

The election is on March 29. There are two 3-year seats on the Framingham School Committee available. There are three candidates including Connolly.

Having served as clerk, and now vice-chair of the Framingham School Committee, Connolly said she is ready to take on more of a leadership role with the 7-member Committee.

"I have the leadership skills, ability to pay close attention to details, and willingness to collaborate to help us, as our schools face the biggest challenges since I have been on the School Committee," said Connolly last night.

"As a taxpayer I understand we need strong schools, but we have to live within our means," said Connolly, who has two children in the Framingham Public Schools and one in a private school.

"Over the past 4 years I have learned as much as I can about the day-to-day operation of the school district,and what it actually takes to operate it," said Connolly. "I understand to be a truly effective member of the School Committee it requires a lot more than just showing up the regular School Committee meetings, you see on cable TV. There are hours and hours of commitments each week, required outside those meetings. Including working on subcommittees like building & grounds, which I chair; to answering phone calls and emails from parents about issues that are important to them."

Connolly said she has also met "regularly with the teachers unions to discuss their concerns" as well as meet "regularly with the superintendent of schools about any and all issues."

Connolly said her two high school daughters describe the School Committee position as a "full-time job" that happens mostly "during dinner and study time."

Through interest-based bargaining, Connolly said the School Committee was able to do something it had not done in years - "come to an agreement with the teachers' association in a very short time." She said she also worked to negotiate the custodians contract, the administrators' contract, and the secretaries contract. She said she is still working on finalizing the the Title 1 teachers contract.

Connolly said the problems "we are about to face will not be solved easily."

She said the cost of special education is "astronomical."

She said there is limited "equity between the elementary schools, and between the different middle schools."

Connolly said "We need collaboration, vision, determination, and leadership in order to provide the best possible learning environment for all of our kids." She said she is that person.

Among the supporters for her at last night's event were four of the five of the current Selectmen (Michael Bower, Cheryl Tully-Stoll, jason Smith and Charlie Sisitsky) and State Rep. Chris Walsh.

Also in attendance last night was four of the current School Committee members (Don Taggart, Jim Stockless, Michelle Brosnahan and Jim Kelly), as well as one of her challengers former School Committee member Rick Finlay; and former School Committee members David Miles and Andy Limeri.