[Editor’s note: This spring, Southborough voters will be able to choose between two candidates running for the 1 year seat on the Southborough School Committee. (One is listed, the other has announced a write-in campaign.) To help you make that decision, each candidate is invited to submit one letter to readers promoting their campaign.
As in past years, you may use comments to endorse the candidate. No mudslinging allowed here.]
To the Editor:
My name is Diane Romm, and I am running for a 1-year term position on the Southborough School Committee as a write-in candidate. Although my goal is to hear from the residents of Southborough, I would like to first tell you about myself.
I have lived in Southborough for 15 years and have two sons, both of whom attended Southborough Schools from kindergarten through 8th grade (and transitioned from Finn to Woodward to Neary to Trottier). One of my sons will graduate from Algonquin Regional High School this year, and his younger brother is in 10th grade at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School.
My education includes a PhD in Developmental Psychology from Boston University and, more recently, a graduate certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Before being an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at UMass-Lowell for 10 years, I was a researcher at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children’s Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy. While there, I contributed to publishing several influential articles on children with special health care needs. One of my interests is supporting students with special needs and those who may require an Individual Education Plan or a 504 Plan to maximize the benefits of their educational experience. I am currently a member (Co-chair) of the School Advisory Committee at Assabet Regional Technical High School.
I have submitted posts on MySouthborough over the past several years about various topics, including cultural awareness, incidents about race at the Neary School, and, even more recently, the proposed new school building for grades 2 through 5. If you are interested in my thoughts about these issues, please feel free to review my posts.
My reason for running for a seat on the Southborough School Committee is simple: the Committee needs and must have input from the Community, the residents who live here and pay the taxes. The School Committee must hear the voices of the Southborough Community, especially those of us whose children attended or will attend the Southborough elementary schools.
Thank you to those who signed my petition to get on the ballot originally; I appreciate your support and would greatly appreciate your continued support! While I had to withdraw from the ballot in anticipation of having to spend time with an ailing mother-in-law, I am happy to announce that she is recovering nicely, so I am now a “write-in” candidate. To vote for me, write “Diane Romm, 77 Pine Hill Rd” in the designated “write-in” space on the ballot for the one-year term position for the Southborough School Committee and fill in the corresponding oval.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to hearing your experiences and recommendations.
Sincerely,
Diane Romm, 77 Pine Hill Rd.
Email: dlromm@gmail.com
Phone: 508-904-9789
LinkedIn: : www.linkedin.com/in/dianeromm
Thoughts
- I’m against banning books and believe it is important to understand the historical context in which something was written.
- From what I have observed, there has been too much rubber-stamping of agenda items rather than serious, thoughtful discussion.
- As for charter schools, we must support our community’s schools. By having high-quality schools, parents would not have a reason to consider charter schools for their children. Resources need to be allocated to professional development for our teachers and administrators.
- As for the proposed new school building, I am not convinced it is the best idea for our Town. Rather, it is important to have more information available to the residents so that a decision that reflects the will of the citizens can be made. For example, at the 2022 Town Meeting, a resident inquired why the Neary building/area is not being considered for the location of any community center. It’s a good question. And the concern voiced by many residents of the adjacent capped landfill is another important factor that needs to be considered. And what about the projected financial burden on the community?
- How did we go from proposing to consolidate schools over 10 years ago to proposing a new building? Please see the Metrowest Daily News article entitled, “State cuts school building aid to Ashland by $485,793” by David Riley, published Sept. 18, 2008, to read what happened in a neighboring town that expected to be reimbursed by the State.
- A lot of time, energy, and hard work have been spent on the proposed new building, but more community involvement is essential to its success. Let me ask you, what is your opinion of the design of the proposed building?
- What about spending money on beautifying Southborough? Has anyone travelled on Boston Road recently? I was out there for Earth Day, and I couldn’t believe the “work in progress” condition of the shoulder. I was also astonished and disheartened by the amount of trash, including road-kill skeletons!
- My opinion is just one voice; the voices of the entire Southborough community need to be heard. Research and information are essential to making informed decisions regarding our elementary schools. I hope I have at least provided grist for the mill.
