Patch Candidate Profiles: Stacey L. Metternick, Hamilton-Wenham School Committee

HAMILTON-WENHAM, MA – When you vote on Thursday, April 6, at the annual town election, know your candidates. Patch is gathering these Q&As for those running for open seats on the Hamilton-Wenham School Committee.

Name, as it will appear on the ballot: Stacey L. Metternick

Hometown: Wenham

Position running for: Reelection to School Committee

Party affiliation: Independent

Education: BA in marketing and business administration at CSULB/USC, minors in Psychology and Art/Design

Work history: Self employed

Volunteer history: HWYSA board, Christ Church Parish Day School board, League of Women Voters board, taught Sunday school, Coached soccer on/off since HS, Cutler School Council, Member Friends of Cutler

Have you run before? If so, when?: Finishing up a 3-year term with the School Committee. Presently the Chair of the School Committee

Why did you decide to run?: My interest in running again, is to make sure that Hamilton Wenham School District stays one of the top School Districts in MA for current as well as future generations. I have 2 children in the schools who are in Middle School and High School. If elected, I would be a returning member to the School Committee affording us much needed continuity in a time when there have been multiple resignations. Also, there are many projects that I would like to see finished to the end.

What do you hope to accomplish in this position?: Since our schools are the biggest expense in our towns representing more than half of our tax dollars annually, it is critical that we maintain an open inclusive school committee to ensure that our funds are spent wisely and reflect the values of the community.

Also, I have helped lead the way forward with review of the so-called apportionment formula in the school/town Regional Agreement. This formula annually determines how school budget costs are divided between the towns of Hamilton and Wenham. The discussions about revising this component of the Regional Agreement will continue this year with both the School Committee and officials from both towns. My experience and input (historical knowledge) will be critical to the successful conclusion of this project.

What should constituents know about you?: As Chairperson, Secretary and as a regular member, I have consistently sought to take the time to gather all the necessary information about any given topic and issue, and to constantly promote openness and consensus-driven dialogue among the members of the School Committee. I have been involved in town affairs for over fifteen years, including advocating for shared services. Through my activities, I have gained an understanding of how the two towns must work together to manage expenses prudently.

I have served on both the Communications and Planning subcommittees. I helped start and contributed regularly to the innovative monthly on-line School Committee newsletter called the "Spotlight" to provide the community information about the workings of the Committee.

My style is open, and fosters inclusivity. I focus on ways to enhance the student experience and educational quality while being mindful of making every budget dollar count.

Constituents can find me walking or running my dogs, watching HWRHS girls soccer, or the many youth sports and events around town.

Image via Stacey Metternick