Letter: Supporting Joe Hicks For North Andover School Committee

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — The following letter to the editor was submitted by North Andover resident Eli Alder Roth.

I'm writing to urge my friends and neighbors to vote for Joe Corsetti Hicks on March 29th. As a child therapist, I serve those coping with difficult life events. I know that all children are different. Families struggle when schools are rigidly focused on what works best for only some kids.

I believe we all do better when we ALL do better. Joe is committed to more responsive curricula that will help each of our children thrive. His experience as an educator reinforces his ability to judge programming through that lens. For many students, success is measured in core subjects, but we know how important art can be for others looking to find their spark. Joe has committed to put funding back into the music, drama, and other programs that provide confidence and engagement for many nontraditional learners. Finally, while the other candidate fear-mongers about critical race theory, Joe fights for a North Andover that makes every child feel valued and accepted.

When my partner and I decided to settle in North Andover five years ago, one of the biggest factors in our decision was how this community respects difference. Now that our young children are rapidly approaching school-age, our decisions feel even more important. The choices we make as parents have lasting consequences. This race is too important to sit out. Not only is Joe the far more qualified candidate, but he is also the one who has shown his commitment to fight for ALL students in our community.