To the Editor:

Thank you to the Newtowners who have reached out to me — both during this campaign for reelection and over my four years on the Board of Education. I take those conversations to heart when making decisions that impact our community.

As a mom, social worker, and someone who successfully started and sold a business, I know that a strong educational system is essential to a thriving community. I am honored to have had the opportunity help shape the system in our community. And, I know that I have made an impact.

I have advocated for a budget each year that reflected district priorities, supported student learning at all levels, addressed growing student needs, while maintaining a responsible spending plan.

I have led efforts to plan for the future through the implementation of a Special Education Contingency Fund and a new grant writing position. Both alleviate financial pressure on our budget while increasing supports for students who most need it.

I have faced tough decisions — school closings, start time adjustments, transportation — and have never been afraid to face them head-on. I collaborated with fellow board members — at times gaining consensus, at times being the sole dissenting vote.

Though we have accomplished a lot, we have more work to do together. Issues of special education, enrollment, concept-based curriculum integration, and consistency around social emotional learning implementation are areas I am eager to have a role in shaping.

I hope that over this four years I have earned your trust, and that on November 5th, I will have earned your vote.

I am not beholden to a party, nor beholden to a specific ideology. I am only beholden to my role — to provide an outstanding educational experience to our children. Because they deserve that from us.

Rebekah Harriman-Stites

Candidate for Reelection to the Board of Education

5 Sealand Drive, Newtown October 29, 2019