SuttonHighNews conducted an interview with each candidate running for the School Committee. Our goal is to provide a more comprehensive look at each candidate so voters can make an informed decision.
SuttonHighNews is not endorsing any candidate. The interviews are being released in a random order with no intent to give anyone more or less time.
All candidates were given the questions in advance. We asked the same questions, in the same order, to each candidate.
What is your name, how long have you lived in Sutton, and how many children do you have in or have had in the Sutton Public Schools (how long were they there)?
My name is Jennifer Darling. I am currently a member of the school committee (finishing my first term). I have been a Sutton resident for over 18 years. I have two sons, one in 8th grade and the other in 5th grade.
What are the best features of the Sutton Public Schools?
One of the best features is that we are all on one campus. One benefit for having grades PreK-12 on the same campus is that the older students can mentor the younger students. Some examples of this I have seen firsthand are through reading programs where a fifth grade classroom pairs up with a kindergarten classroom. The Senior internship program where students remain on campus during this time and student-teach or assist the district in other areas of interest. The benefit to being a smaller school district is that our schools can easily work together.
What is the most crucial issue facing public education?
The most crucial issue facing our District is financial. Every year a budget needs to be submitted and approved. I like to question the how, what, and why of any situation, especially when it comes to our students’ education. I would love to have more opportunities for the students, and I questioned the cuts we had to make. Initially, I voted no on the preliminary budget because I didn’t think we were putting forward something feasible for the district.
How can we properly fund education without dramatically raising taxes?
I encountered this issue in my first year on the Committee. I have been involved in a few non-profits and have raised money for various projects in our Town, including a new playground. I am not afraid of putting the time and energy into making something a reality. But education funding is a completely different animal. The only available options for generating more money for the schools include: opening more school choice seats, seeking grants, and the town allocating more money to the schools.
What do you want to see happen in Sutton Public Schools over the next three years?
I’m a big advocate for the students. My campaign slogan is “Putting Students First, Always.” I want to see us keep moving forward while keeping the students, teachers, and community’s best interests in mind. I like to ask questions, especially about the budget. I am always trying to find extra money. I was asked recently about our solar panels, and the school is doing its best to make sure those are running efficiently to help us make the most of our finances. I also like to look at surrounding districts to see what and how they are utilizing their resources. Our Business Office has done a great job at utilizing our out of district transportation and filling any open seats. That generates money for our district. We need more of that thinking – our students, staff, and community are counting on us.
How much input should parents have into the classroom curriculum? What should happen when state requirements conflict with parental concerns?
The first part of that—I think parent input should be very little regarding classroom curriculum. The curriculum is available online. In the end, I trust the school, the Commonwealth, DESE, and I know if I have questions, I can ask the principal.
I do not have an education background—I have an engineering background. I recently spoke to a fifth grade class on the engineering design process. That’s my expertise. I was happy to do an activity with the students as it relates to an upcoming project for them.
As a parent, if there was something I didn’t agree with, I would start with the building administration, talk it through with them.
What made you decide to seek election?
I decided to seek re-election because after three years I feel that I am just getting started. There is a learning curve. There’s a lot of things that don’t happen every year, but in a three year term you touch upon them once like contract negotiations with our two unions. We just finished negotiations with SESA (Sutton Education Support Association) that represents our support staff, but when I first was elected the STA (Sutton Teacher’s Association) had just finished their negotiations and I haven’t had the chance to be a part of it.
What are your primary credentials that make you an excellent candidate?
I care, I listen, and I question. After a meeting, I will analyze what I said or the questions I asked, and the feedback that I get from teachers, staff, community, and parents is that I am asking the questions that need to be asked. Even if I know the answer, I try to ask questions to help everyone understand what is going on even if you are not watching every meeting. I do my best to keep everyone informed.
If elected, how will you work to find common ground with your fellow school committee members?
When I don’t agree with someone, one of my strengths is that I am empathetic. I really try to see where someone is coming from, and usually I can respect their opinion even when I may not agree with it. Currently, we all come from different backgrounds and experiences. I enjoy working as a group and coming together for the common good.
What specific message would you like to share with the voters?
I care about the students—all of the students. I have been a huge proponent for smaller class sizes at the lower grades and although my kids are no longer a beneficiary of that, I will still support and embrace the expense to have smaller class sizes.
I will ask questions to try and understand the why of what we are trying to achieve.
I feel so fortunate to be a part of the Sutton community and I would be honored to receive your vote on May 27th.
