Avi Shemtov

Why are you running and why would you be a great person to serve on the School Committee?

I am seeking re-election for a handful of key reasons. First, I believe as much today as I did when I was first elected four years ago that my unique approach to problem solving and ability to communicate will benefit all the students of Sharon. Second, the relationships I have been able to create with current school committee members, town officials, school admin, and town admin leave me in a unique position to help our community navigate the issues which plague our schools. Serving on the school committee is complicated; learning the ins and outs takes time, navigating MA law, school policy, and town Bi-laws can be confusing, and building trust with administration is tricky. Having been elected chair unanimously each of my three years this term, I believe I bring experience that isn’t quickly or easily replaced.

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/share/15JkNxeGKS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The School Committee and Superintendent work together every year to develop a $56 million budget. What went well in the past two years and where is there room for improvement?

While this year’s budget is around 56 million dollars, that number has risen by a few million dollars each year I have been on the board. I understand that is real money for tax payers. I also understand that costs have risen tremendously and in many cases outpaced our budget increases. Passing a budget requires communication, a willingness to make tough and sometimes unpopular decisions, and an understanding of the consequences of each budget cut or add.

Over the last four years I believe a budget that has served our students has been passed. Over the last two years in particular I believe the board has made really tough, but ultimately correct, decisions. Criticism comes with the territory, but the market-rate teacher contract which the board knew would be difficult to navigate is completed with the budget that will be presented at town meeting and with the exception of a possible $75 per average tax payer through excise levy capacity this year, that will be done without putting the weight on the tax payer.

Last year the process was frustratingly opaque. At times it felt like a game of chicken between the committee and administration. As chair, I strongly encouraged a more transparent process and expressed repeatedly in public my belief that it needed to be handled better by our superintendent. This year I believe a much more transparent process was followed. Numbers were discussed much earlier in the cycle, and options were shown.

Having been on the outside looking in before being elected I understand the frustration with the process that many in our community feel. I also share the wish that my opponents express that a better process could exist. Juggling the realities of a public process which discusses human resource decisions against the need for constituent engagement isn’t easy. I would like us to continue to get more transparent though.

The School Committee has had to make some very painful cuts in staff and programs due to budget.  If there was suddenly an extra $200,000 found in the budget, how would you spend it? Choose between reducing fees, hiring more teacher's aides, rehiring teachers, or reinstating the DEI Director position. 

I don’t think there is any question our special education department is overwhelmed. The students and families who depend on our special education services deserve programs and supports which will guarantee them the opportunity to reach their full potential, no different than peer students who don’t depend on these services. Similarly, our instructional assistants deserve a reasonable work load and to be compensated in a way which makes them feel valued and respected.

If we suddenly found 200,000 dollars I would support using those funds to hire and train necessary staff throughout our special education programs, as well as providing necessary training to and compensation for our existing staff.

Name one thing the School Committee could do to improve the academics in Sharon schools.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to help lead the search for our assistant superintendent of curriculum last year. I believe we hired an experienced educator whose educational values align completely with our community: in order to maintain and strengthen Sharon’s academic excellent we have to raise the bar for all students. I believe the single most important thing the board can do is hold administration accountable to the public for maintaining a curriculum and standard which reflects the values of academic achievement our community demands.

Social gender transition means to treat a student as a member of a different gender, for example by using a different name and pronouns. Under what circumstances do you believe it is appropriate for schools to socially transition children to a different gender without telling their parents?

I do not believe any information about a child’s experience at school should be kept from parents.