12 Comments

1. 

   Jeff Seideman on December 2, 2012 at 11:56 pm

   This is a significant loss for Newton. Not only did he have just the right disposition, he was right on the issues and stood up to the never ending string of status quo folks. He brought energy and attention to so many issues. Most notably, of course, was his support for STEM, the need for technology and decision making based on data. Those of us who care about education in Newton will miss his presence on the School Committee.

2. 

   mgwa on December 3, 2012 at 12:26 am

   This is very sad news. We need more people like Geoff on the School Committee. Does anyone know why he’s decided not to run?

3. 

   Lucia on December 3, 2012 at 9:56 am

   Geoff’s election was a game changer for the school committee. He is, as Emily says, friendly, fearless and a believer in analysis. Before Geoff anytime a parent tried to raise questions about discrepancies between schools or student groups in MCAS or curriculum, they were dismissed as trouble-making busybodies (speaking from personal experience). There was no analysis to the point of not even requesting cost estimates on building projects…..

   I think Geoff is irreplaceable, but since his election several other school committee members who question the status quo and analyse issues have been voted into office, like Steve, Margie and Angela. IMHO between external forces – like the common core and results from educational experimentation in charter schools,… – and internal changes – new SC members, new superintendent,… – Newton Schools are on an upward trajectory.

   • 

     Greg Reibman on December 3, 2012 at 11:21 am

     As someone who very enthusiastically supported Epstein during his first (unsuccessful) and second (successful) campaigns, I’ve been disappointed by his School Committee tenure.

     Yes, as Lucia points out, his arrival was a game changer, coming at a time when members almost never (maybe ever) publicly challenged the status quo. I’m grateful to Geoff for that.

     But over the years, Epstein could have taken more of a leadership role, building consensus for change. Instead, too often, he came across as little more than a curmudgeon.

4. 

   tom sheff on December 3, 2012 at 12:13 pm

   I think his loss to the Committee is huge. But, let’s look at the positives. He was trailblazer and he gave hope to people who felt beating the status quo was hopeless. He made people think.
   Hopefully, Geoff will fill his time by running for the charter commission.
   Geoff, you’ll be missed.

5. 

   Kim on December 3, 2012 at 3:29 pm

   I agree with Greg. While Geoff’s intentions might have been for the best, he lacked the social tools to execute and deliver. It is a political office and Geoff just doesn’t have a political bone in his body. You need that to influence and lead.

6. 

   Geoff Epstein on December 3, 2012 at 11:47 pm

   This is my first and last post to this blog.

   Greg shows the same poor judgment in his commentary as that which lead to his demise from the TAB. It’s a relief to know that the TAB is no longer a hindrance to fair elections under its new leadership.

   Kim remains consistent in his complete ignorance of the record, of the relationships and of the consistent forward movement achieved during my time in office. Look for Kim to support exactly the kind of SC members we don’t want to elect in the future.

   Both of these fellows are a reflection of the Newton of past, dark days, specializing in personal attacks and having absolutely no interest in the education of our kids.

   It’s all about political power for them and not at all about education.

   No guide to the future, either of them.

   • 

     Gail Spector on December 4, 2012 at 8:04 am

     Geoff – That wasn’t your first post and I doubt it will be your last.

     I’m happy for you that you’ve reached this decision. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy one.

     I’d like to point out that Greg and Kim barely criticized you. Kim said you don’t have a political bone in your body. Some might consider that a compliment. Greg said that you weren’t as effective as he’d hoped. I suspect part of the reason you are leaving is your frustration with how hard it is to be effective among your peers. (I’ll grant you that curmudgeon isn’t a flattering description). Public officials need to be able to take some heat.

     Yet you turn it around and say that both of them — parents of children in the Newton schools — don’t care about the education of our kids. It’s all about political power, you say.

     I, of course, take great exception to your entirely fabricated statements about Greg and the TAB. The following logic is an example of Geoff Epstein at his best:

     “It’s a relief to know that the TAB is no longer a hindrance to fair elections under its new leadership.”

     So, the TAB, under its previous leadership, was actually impeding democracy? That’s a pretty loaded charge.

     I wish you the best. Your tenure on the School Committee has not been what I expected when the TAB endorsed you, but never once have I questioned your commitment to the education of our children. I wish you’d grant others the same courtesy.

   • 

     Greg Reibman on December 4, 2012 at 8:07 am

     Aw come on Gail, it’s about time an elected official finally called out Kim, a private citizen and a constituent, for being the political power grabber, education hater that he is! I mean imagine someone as anti-future as Kim accusing Geoff of “lacking social tools” or suggesting Geoff “doesn’t have a political bone in his body.”

     And Geoff, I can certainly appreciate why you would never want to participate on a citizen-driven blog like Village 14. It’s far better to have just one platform for information and conversation about a municipality of our size. Certainly allows for “fairer” election coverage to have it all concentrated in one place, right?

     What’s that expression? Oh, yeah: “Pish”

7. 

   Kim on December 4, 2012 at 12:27 am

   Consistent Geoff?

   I supported you when you quit the Budget Guidelines Subcommittee. You can see my comments on that thread here> http://blogs.wickedlocal.com/newton/2008/11/16/trouble-brewing-on-school-committee/#axzz2E3dcfugY

   I watched with great hope that you would be that person to lead the SC on the right path. You didn’t. You know it. That’s why you are quitting.

8. 

   Jane on December 4, 2012 at 2:16 pm

   Best of luck in the future, Geoff, and thanks for your service to the city.

9. 

   Joanne on December 7, 2012 at 9:29 pm

   Thank You Geoff. I was very sad to hear you will not run again. You are the lone voice of reason on the SC. Our children thank you for all your work and we wish you all the best.