| Newton MA News and Politics BlogWard 1 School Committee member Ellen Gibson announced today that she will not seek re-election to her seat. She is completing her second term on the committee. With Gibson’s announcement, there are now four School Committee seats without an incumbent running for re-election (Wards 1,3, 7, and 8). 

Gibson told me that she has mixed feelings about her decision, but she is seeking to create balance in her life, especially given her commitment to the Social-Emotional Learning Alliance for Massachusetts as its chairperson of the Policy and Advocacy Committee. Her decision was made a bit easier when she learned that Kathy Marchi, who has leadership experience in social-emotional learning projects, has decided to run for the seat. 

I thank Ellen for her service and wish her luck.

Dear Friends,

 

I am writing to let you know that after thinking about it for a long time, I have decided not to run for re-election in November.

 

I have enjoyed serving on the School Committee and focusing on social-emotional learning and special education. I am so grateful for the support I’ve received over the past 4 years. At the same time, I am trying to simply my life and spend more time with my family. 

 

What makes the decision easier is that Kathy Marchi has decided to run for School Committee from Ward 1.  I have known Kathy for years and she will be an exceptional School Committee member.  She is a collaborative problem-solver, a thoughtful listener who asks a lot of focused and insightful questions, a very bright and inquisitive person, and has a great sense of humor.  She is student-focused and truly believes in educating the whole child, ensuring that all students reach their potential. I am thrilled that she is running and I enthusiastically support her—Newton will be very lucky to have Kathy on the School Committee.

 

I am grateful to colleagues both on the School Committee and within the Newton Public Schools who have been so generous with their time and sharing of their knowledge with me.  Newton is lucky to have so many dedicated professionals educating our students.  

 

With warm regards, 

Ellen