Alice Campbell Running For Danvers School Committee

The following is a declaration of candidacy from Danvers School Committee candidate Alice Campbell to Patch ...

DANVERS, MA — I decided to run for Danvers School Committee member because I believe the Danvers school district is in need of representation that puts children first.

I am the only candidate with children exclusively enrolled in Danvers Public Schools, being the true voice of Danvers families. My platform is increased accountability and transparency in our school system.

We were all frustrated this past year with the lack of accountability in monitoring our children’s progress in meeting the individual learning objectives and the limited transparency into the decisions made by the administration. I believe a strong School Committee empowers students to be supported in a thriving learning environment and enables teachers to teach effectively, all with accountability and transparency at the core.

When I say my platform is accountability, it starts with the school budget and understanding how DPS will be held accountable to their goals and student performance. Creating a transparent school district starts with the School Committee.

I want DPS to be clear with our students and families about their educational goals and where the district is going, with both short-term and long-term plans and goals. I will work with the current School Committee and administration to find new and exciting ways to use online tools for improved transparency.

Before COVID, our district settled for being average across a full range of educational metrics. We must advocate and promote programs that better prepare our students as they progress through the school system and beyond, bringing excellence back to our Danvers schools.

I see three challenges facing DPS in 2021:

First, is special education. We must solve for the gaps that exist. Every child in our town should have access to the same level of education. When we don't solve special education, it's a domino effect in our schools.

The second is technology. When our district went fully remote last March, it was clear how behind we were in technology, both in the classrooms and in communications.

And finally, rebuilding trust. Many families in our district lost faith in our administration this past year because they did not feel heard or fairly represented in the decisions being made. I will be part of the solution to make them feel heard again.

My husband and I have lived in Danvers for 9 years and we have two elementary (school-) age children within the district. I earned an undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and an MBA from UMASS. I have been in the private sector for over 20 years, working for leading advertising agencies.

I have first-hand experience in the demands of bringing creativity, fresh thinking, and collaboration to everything I do. I am currently a town meeting member for Precinct 4 and a member of the Smith School Council, priding myself on being the voice of families in Danvers.

More information on the Alice Campbell For School Committee campaign can be found here.