There are seven candidates running for three seats in an election which promises to be critical to the future success of our school district. Two of these people are running as reformers, Carrie Kourkoumelis , running for re-election, and Gerry Mroz, a citizen activist. Ms. Kourkoumelis has demonstrated over the past four years of her first term that she is committed to educational excellence in our school district in her push for school committee and program reforms. Anyone who has watched her during school committee meetings know that she always comes thoroughly prepared to discuss the topics and issues of the day, seeking truth and understanding, asking incisive and probing questions to better develop proposed solutions. She is a consummate professional, selfless, and solely dedicated to improved student outcomes and programs. She continues to be the conscience of the school committee ensuring public awareness of the issues before the committee and providing invaluable feedback during the decision-making process.
I only wish we had more such people as Carrie Kourkoumelis on the committee but sadly we don’t. That is why we need to vote for Gerry Mroz, the other reformer in the race, who attends every single school committee meeting, and speaks out with passion and commitment suggesting ways the educational system can be advanced in Melrose for improved student outcomes. He speaks from a depth of knowledge and experience in the educational field possessing a special ability to analyze and articulate ways in which the school system can improve itself for the betterment of all students in the district. Gerry personally was able to recently persuade our current superintendent to participate in School Choice giving Melrose the ability in bringing needed dollars into the school system without affecting teacher hiring or increasing teacher-student ratios. His creative suggestions and meaningful, practical solutions to real problems are what is needed more now than ever. And that is why a vote for Gerry is a vote for the future success of our school system. Please remember these names, Carrie Kourkoumelis and Gerry Mroz, when entering the voting booth in November and selecting school committee candidates.
