Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Fellow Watertown Residents,
With less than 3 weeks left until Election Day (although you can choose to cast your vote before Nov. 4th), I would like to take this opportunity to reintroduce myself, David Stokes, Candidate for School Committee. Perhaps you have already conversed with me, seen one of my yard signs, read my literature, visited my website, or watched my video. Please read on to find out more about my relevant experience, my longtime dedication, and my broad community focus – which together position me as a strong candidate for School Committee!
You might recall that I had the distinct honor of serving on the School Committee 2020-23, through the COVID-19 pandemic. My four years of experience during those “unprecedented times” (ad nauseum, IMO) allow me to hit the ground running. I also have invested 12 years before that, including during the Great Recession, and the last two years (for a total of 18 years altogether) working hard to improve Watertown’s schools – dedication to a critical cause. One example of improvement in which I played an important role, as the chair of Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee, is prioritizing the safety of our students, caregivers, educators, and other District personnel first and foremost during the return to our school buildings with safety measures like air filters and opening windows. But we cannot rest on our laurels: I just learned that a recent study suggests there might be more work to do on this front (maintaining the right humidity level, in addition to filtering the air and refreshing it from outside). Our newer school buildings already have systems that should do this additional work more easily and efficiently. As the discussion around the Middle School investments and improvements continues, Watertown needs your voice included – on Oct. 28 at the Public Hearing during the City Council meeting, right before the election!
Those years I served on the School Committee were challenging times, making quick decisions with little or conflicting information, and I see other challenges on the road ahead. Economic uncertainty and anxiety are reported in the news daily, and public education appears to be devalued and pushed aside, furthered by diminishing federal funding – the effects of which could be felt for a generation! I submit that I have the experience to guide Watertown Public Schools (WPS) through the upcoming storms, while continuing to strengthen the education our students receive (and deserve!), especially as WPS grows its Career and Technical Education (CTE, or what you might have called “vocational education”) program at both the High School and Middle School. This focus on CTE is one of my top priorities, so that students who choose an alternate path to the workforce can have an equitable educational experience in Watertown.
In addition to being experienced and dedicated, I am also hyper-focused on including the broader Watertown community in our students’ education and events. With no more children in the schools for several years now (our daughter graduated from WHS in 2020), I see my role as a School Committee member shifting to become an ambassador of sorts for the other residents who do not have a connection with WPS. Our students and our schools thrive when the entire community embraces them and enhances their learning. And we get a stronger city as a result. All Watertown residents, like you, should know how their tax dollars are spent – in both the beautiful new/renovated school buildings and the educational investment of our future fellow citizens. I want to prioritize providing more opportunities for community participation in and connection to our schools!
Finally, I am passionate about public education and what an important part of this nation it is! My daughter went through WPS from Kindergarten through 12 th Grade, graduating in 2020. I held a Secondary School English teaching certificate from Massachusetts, right after college (which has long since expired). Education can be a great equalizer, if we commit to combatting bias, supporting mental and physical health, and fostering creativity and curiosity within our schools. Our system may not be perfect, but the teachers and staff of WPS strive daily to make it more excellent for each and every student. And, as a result, we have lots to celebrate here in Watertown! Our students today have met (or very nearly met – and in some cases, exceeded) our 2019 “pre-pandemic” academic measures of success, ahead of most districts in the Commonwealth. Watertown was even recognized as 1 of only 41 Commonwealth school districts achieving math MCAS scores at or above those of 2019 in Grades 3-8! Additionally, Watertown High School was recognized this year in the top 25 percent of high schools nationwide by U.S. News and World Report. Even if those statistics don’t impress you, they convey that a Watertown education is a solid education to prepare our students for whatever is next on their journey after high school. Where we must continue to improve is supporting the educational needs of each student, especially if they have challenges with traditional learning or want to pursue alternative paths.
I have described some of my priorities, my commitment and dedication, and my community focus. The experience and history that I bring would provide an important perspective to the School Committee. You trusted me with the job of School Committee member during the election in 2019. I hope that you cast 1 of your 3 votes for School Committee for me on (or before) Nov. 4th – but no matter what, please vote!
Thank you for your time and consideration.
See you out and about,
David Stokes
https://davidstokes.net/