Candidate Statement: Patricia Meuse, Shawsheen Tech School Committee

Public Service has been part of my life since I was 6 years old cleaning the benches after Mass at St. Thomas Church in Wilmington where I grew up to parents who were both WWII veterans.  After graduating from Wilmington High I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern.

In 1978 my husband and I moved to Tewksbury. After my sixth child was born I received my law degree from New England Law.

My six children graduated from TMHS and received college degrees. Five of my children live in Tewksbury and my grandchildren attend elementary schools here. My oldest granddaughter is a freshman at Shawsheen.

I was elected and served on the Tewksbury School Committee for six years and for two years I served as Chair. During my time on the Committee, equal education for all the elementary students was achieved, a Townwide Budget Committee was formed to ensure that the School Department received their fair share of the Town budget and a teachers strike was averted.  

After being elected to serve on the Shawsheen Tech Committee I was appointed Chair of the Curriculum Subcommittee. As Chair I have been actively involved in the curriculum decisions that have positively impacted the students.  In 2012 Shawsheen Tech was named a Massachusetts Commendation School.

Shawsheen is among the top in the state for MCAS Scores, performance growth, graduation rates, attendance rates and has one of the lowest dropout rates.

The school administration, school committee, staff, parents and students make it their job to see that all students are successful.  Shawsheen’s admittance policy has seen little change since the inception of the school.  Points were added for recommendations and interviews.  Both changes give those students that may not look that good on paper an opportunity to shine.  Shawsheen has become a popular alternative to the sending high schools.  There are more students applying than we can accommodate.  It is imperative that the students, parents and sending schools know the policy with regards to grades, attendance and discipline. The Director of Guidance, Dean of Students and SPED Director make the decision on who gets in based on this policy.

The Shawsheen Technical School Committee has done everything to keep the budget low while producing the best education possible. Our overall budget from 2009-2012 went from level funded to a 2% increase.  The budget has increased in the last two years. The addition of the health wing is one reason which was approved in accordance to State Law. Since FY05 Shawsheen’s per pupil cost has only increased 8.17% whereas Tewksbury’s increased 50%. 

I have been privileged to serve on this Committee and I believe I have done a great job. My attendance at meetings is the highest among all members and I take pride in the commitment I have made to serve my Community and this school.  If you agree that Shawsheen deserves to continue in its commitment of excellence please vote for Patricia Meuse on April 6^th.