School Committee Candidate: Sheila MacDonald

Sheila MacDonald is one of the five candidates seeking three open seats on the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee. Wenham votes on Saturday, May 5 from 8 a.m.-noon at  and Hamilton votes on Thursday, April 24 from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at.

Personal

My name is Sheila (FtizGerald) MacDonald and I am running for a seat on the Hamilton-Wenham School Committee. I am a 1977 graduate of , and in 1983 I returned to the Regional and taught French for many years. It had been my dream since 6th grade to teach French, and it was a fantastic time in my life. I now have a daughter, Taylor, who is a Junior at the Regional.  For three years I owned a bakery/ice cream shop in Hamilton , and I live in Wenham with my husband, Joe and now work for in Hamilton. I guess you just can't get rid of me!

What are the relevant skills and experiences you would bring to the School Committee?

I was a teacher in the district for many years and have lived in the community for many years as well. I have seen this school district at its best, and at its lowest. I feel that my energy, experience and willingness to listen and learn make me a great asset to the committee. I have worked as a financial analyst for many years and therefore feel very comfortable with the budget process. I am approachable and eager to utilize all of the knowledge and experience that the residents of the two towns are willing to offer to the schools. I am realistic about the financial situation that the school disrict is in, but am also very optimistic about where we can take our children's education in the 21st century.

What is the top issue facing the School Committee? If elected, how would you deal with it?

I feel very strongly that we, as a community, have not been working together to make this the best school system that it can be. There is a feeling of mistrust among the people surrounding particularly the school budget. The District has taken huge strides with the new audit conducted this year, the finding of unused funds, and the soon to be completed hiring of a new Superintendent. Three incumbents from the school committee are not running again, making way for some new people, new ideas and a new start. What is not new is our dedicated group of teachers who have kept our school system , in spite of all the turmoil and change in leadership in the last three years.

Why should voters elect you to the School Committee?

I believe that I should be elected because I am passionate and involved in this school community. I want the very best for our children and I think I can start by being a part of this strong leadership team that is being built this year. With a new Superintendent and some new members of School Comittee, we can start putting emphasis on the many positive attributes of our schools and towns and start working TOGETHER to learn from the past and move past it to what's waiting for our kids. I would very much appreciate your vote on election day!