Meet the Candidate: Valerie A. Desmond

Name: Valerie A. Desmond

Age: 51

How many years have you lived in Norton?

17+ years. I moved here with my husband David and three children, Diana, Brian and Joseph in 1995.

How many children do you have in the Norton public schools? Do you have any children who previously attended Norton public schools or plan to send children to the Norton Public schools in the future? 

I have 3 children; my daughter graduated from NHS in 2007; my son graduated from NHS in 2009; my youngest son is currently a student at the May Center.

What is your current involvement with the school district (PTO membership, volunteering, etc.)? 

I most recently served on the Superintendent of Schools Search Committee (12/12) who successfully chose Joseph Baeta as Norton's next Superintendent of Schools; past involvement includes, Member, NHS Community Task Force (2012-2012); Volunteer, Pride of NHS (2012)  & Support Our Schools (2006); Member & Chair, NHS Parent Board (2003-2009); Member & Chair, H. A. Yelle Parent Board (1999-2002); Member & Chair, L. G. Nourse Parent Board (1995-2000); past member of the Norton Athletic Complex Committee; past volunteer for Norton Pop Warner & Norton Youth Basketball

What is your day Job? If you are retired, what was your former job? 

I have been employed by Wheaton College since 2003; my current position is a Student Accounts Advisor in the Office of Student Financial Services. I love working at Wheaton and feel that it is a valuable resource to the Norton community. I am always forwarding information to various teachers  about upcoming lectures/events on campus that might fit within their curriculum. Three years ago, I worked with former NHS Principal Ray Dewar to form a Global Ambassador program with NHS students and visiting high school students from China. What started as a few NHS students volunteering to help the Chinese students learn about the English language and American culture, blossomed into a program of over 40 NHS students embarking on one of their first global partnerships. I am very proud of his program and hope to encourage similar programs moving forward.

Why are you running for school committee? 

Since moving to Norton in 1995, I have always been an active volunteer and advocate for the Norton Public Schools, which demonstrates the level of commitment and perspective I would bring to this board. I have a strong passion and belief in the strength of the Norton Public Schools, the faculty, staff and the administrators who provide a superior education to the children of Norton. As a member of the School Committee, I would bring objectivity and balance to the current board. None of my children are currently enrolled in one of the five public schools, so my desire for excellence is not personal, but for the community I love. I want to raise the public awareness of the great things happening in the Norton schools and clear all old misconceptions about the state of our school system so that Norton students stay in Norton. I want every tax paying citizen of Norton to have a great sense of pride in our schools, knowing that their investment in Norton schools is one they should feel positive about.

What makes you a better choice than your opponents?  

As I mentioned above, my extensive experience in the Norton schools gives me a great perspective, and also demonstrates my deep level of commitment. I began as a volunteer in 1995 and have been involved steadily in parent boards at the LGN, HAY and NHS. When my two oldest graduated from NHS, I continued my involvement with the schools as a member of the NHS Community Task Force, a volunteer for Pride of NHS and most recently as a member of the Superintendent of Schools Search Committee. I feel strongly that my participation in these groups over the last 17 years, clearly shows my devotion for the schools of Norton. Additionally, my youngest son is enrolled in a special education program through the Norton Public schools and feel that this experience allows me a depth of understanding that other candidates may not have.  

What is the state of the school district? Are there problems that need fixing? If so, what would you do to fix them? -  

I feel strongly that the current state of NPS is very solid. We have a strong, effective Interim Superintendent of Schools, and I believe the future administration under the leadership of Joseph Beaeta shows great promise. While I know from past experiences of my own children, their peers, along with neighbors and friends, great things are happening across the board in our schools, I am not certain that all residents know about them, however. One of my goals is to "get the word out" of why Norton schools are top notch and to make families feel confident they are giving their children the best educational option. Frankly, I'd like to see more kids stay in the Norton schools....with greater numbers, it enhances all areas of the school district: academic successes, athletic excellence, extra-curricular options, and just the general sense of community becomes stronger. Norton teachers are cream of the crop and the curriculum is rock solid and competitive, proven by the list of colleges and universities that accept NHS graduates. If I were to "fix" something, it would be to eliminate completely all mis-perceptions about the Norton Public Schools. Something else that isn't necessarily a problem, but does create challenges, is the financial situation....not just in Norton, but across the commonwealth and the US. Budgets are tight and expenses are rising, so it can be difficult to balance both. I feel that there are some creative ways to give our students additional educational opportunities without creating additional expenses. We are fortunate to be within 30 minutes of 3 distinguished colleges, Wheaton College, Stonehill College and Bridgewater State University. Making connections on those campuses allows our students, along with the college students, to learn from each other in exciting, new situations. I feel that this is an untapped resource that truly could be expanded and add some depth and layers to the learning experiences of our students. I would additionally like to strengthen partnerships with private businesses in Norton, and explore our partnership with the TPC of Boston, located in Norton. Increasing collaborative efforts with other community partners is something I hope to build upon.

As a member of the school committee, you are one vote out of a group. How well do you work with others? What is your experience with productively working in a group? 

I feel that one vote/one voice is a very important and anyone willing to take this role on, needs to feel confident to speak his/her mind in a way that is constructive and clear. My ability to communicate with all types of people is something that I am quite proud of, but I think many people forget that communication goes two ways. Not only am I comfortable verbalizing my questions, comments and/or concerns, but listening to people and trying to gain a sense of empathy is just as important. My most recent experience working productively in a group was the Superintendent of Schools Search Committee in Dec. of 2012. This was a hugely important task, but one that had very important ramifications for the Norton Public Schools moving forward and I was honored to be a part of the process and the outcome.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

Of course, the number one joy in my life is my family and spending time with my husband David, daughter Diana and sons Brian and Joseph. When my oldest two were enrolled in Norton schools, one of my favorite pastimes was cheering on ANY Lancer team, and actually still attend NHS games whenever I have the chance. I love to walk, play tennis, bike ride and last year learned how to play golf! I absolutely love all Boston sports teams, most especially I am a diehard Patriots fan!

Is there anything else we should know about you? 

Yes, I would like the voters of Norton to know that I am a trustworthy, dedicated friend who will listen to all concerns and do my very best to ensure educational success for Norton's students. I am passionate about my belief in the strength of this school system and want to demonstrate to others why I feel that way, so that they will too! I hope that Norton residents will give me the chance to serve this great community as a member of the School Committee. Vote for Valerie Desmond!