School Committee Candidates Discuss the Budget

Welcome to Meet the School Committee Candidates: each day this week we'll post a question and an answer from each of the candidates regarding their run for a seat on the School Committee. Don't forget to check out  about the department needs, , and .

Nick DeSilvio is running for a second term on the committee while Barbara Skaar is running for the seat as a write-in candidate.

Budget remains an issue for not just Chelmsford Schools but schools across the state. There have been concerns that the School Committee's voice is falling on deaf ears when it comes to speaking with state officials. How would you be an advocate for Chelmsford getting its fair share from the state?

DeSilvio: First, I am very proud that our school district has been able to expand its educational programs during the worst economic period in the state since the Great Depression. Through the hard work and dedication of our entire community, Chelmsford has done more with less, and moved our schools forward again.

After nearly a decade of advocating for our fair share of Chapter 70 funds, Chelmsford continues to be under-funded by the state. Chapter 70 reform has proven to be an uphill battle, but one I am committed to lead.

Working to meet the school committee's goal to increase funding, I have had the privilege to work with our state reps and our state liaison Mr. Angelo Taranto. I support the school committee's recommendation and lobbying efforts for Governor Deval Patrick to create a Chapter 70 review committee. It is time that Chelmsford receives its fair share, and if elected, I will continue to make Chapter 70 reform a key initiative.

Skaar: As I stated above ( two), I believe funding is the greatest challenge facing our School Department.  During the period that the Initiative for Local Aid was funded by the Council of Chelmsford Schools, all of our state representatives agreed that it was this group that helped to bring recognition and focus to Chelmsford’s Chapter 70 funding plight. 

We were told at that time that “Chelmsford must do your part” in reducing costs.  We must continue to forge positive relationships with our representatives at the State House.  I don’t think our petitions are falling on “deaf ears.” I think other issues in our community and at the state level overshadowed our needs.  Perhaps frustration set in and we relaxed our efforts.  Regardless, it is time, once again, to petition for “our fair share.”   We cannot settle for annual visits to the State House and expect to be on the top of the stack if funds become available.  This struggle requires a dedicated and continuous effort to ensure we are in the front of the funding line.  I will take my “never give up” attitude and make sure this is a top issue every year.  I will continue to develop productive relationships with decision-makers and to represent Chelmsford’s needs in a positive manner.  We need to fight for fair-funding and refuse to be penalized for doing our part.