Letter: Vote for Jeanne Downs for School Committee

Editor's Note: For a full collection of support letters for this candidate, click on her hyperlinked name at the bottom of this letter under "Related Topics."

TO THE EDITOR:

On April 2, I will be heading to the polls to vote for Jeanne Downs for School Committee. I have coached the Wayland Jr. Warriors swim team with Jeanne for eight years, served on the Middle School and High School PTO Boards when she has been president and served with her on the Wayland Swim and Tennis Club Board. Jeanne is a dedicated town volunteer and has committed her time and energy to making Wayland a better place for our youth. Why would she be a good School Committee member? 

First, Jeanne is smart and open-minded. She seeks multiple viewpoints and gets to the bottom of an issue quickly. She is one who will listen to opinions and work to get consensus. Her attention to detail ensures that things get done in a timely and accurate manner.

Second, she is committed. Few in town will dispute the fact that when things need doing, Jeanne is first in line to volunteer and take a leadership role. She runs the Wayland Jr. Warrior swim program for 150 of our town’s young swimmers and manages the coaching staff, the team’s relationships with other teams, a significant budget and the daily people issues that arise in an organization of this size. She has been the president of both the Middle School and High School PTO’s and in that capacity oversaw fundraising, budget setting, expenditure management and communication with parents, administrators and teachers. She has proven to be dependable without exception. 

Last, Jeanne is positive and compassionate. She genuinely cares about our school system and educating the children of our town. She takes many volunteer positions and puts forth her efforts cheerfully. On a town board where issues can be contentious, Jeanne will represent us with dignity and intelligence. Wayland would be lucky to have her serve in this capacity.

Please join me in voting for Jeanne Downs on April 2.

Janet Schwartz
Highland Circle

Check out coverage of Wayland's 2013 Town Election, including all the Letters to the Editor, on our topic page, Wayland Town Election 2013.