Meet the Candidates: School Committee

Your candidates for School Committee are current member Margaret Werner, Tracey Todesco and Nichole Rich. Werner, 76, was born in Pueblo, CO and currently lives in Norton. She has been on the School Committee for six years. Todesco, 29, grew up in Braintree, but since marrying her husband Rob, moved back to his hometown of Norton. Rich, 35, lists Norton as her hometown. 

Why do you think you are qualified for the School Committee position and what experiences do you bring to the table?

MARGARET: I have been a member of the school committee for the past six years and have a strong background in education both as a teacher at the elementary and college level.

I graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and taught grades K through 5 in New York and Mansfield MA.  I completed my Master’s Degree plus 30 additional hours in Guidance and Counseling/school psychology from Bridgewater University  and have an Ed.S. degree in Psycho/educational studies from Colorado University. 

I was employed as a school psychologist/child find coordinator for Project Spoke, an educational collaborative for children with special needs for 15 years.  In addition I taught in the education department at Fisher College in Attleboro for 25 years and currently am employed as the director of the laboratory preschool on the campus at Wheaton College and teach part time in the Education department.

TODESCO: I feel that I am the most qualified candidate for the School Committee, because I am passionate about making education in Norton the top priority and delivering the tools our children need to excel in our school system. I offer a full commitment to giving the children a superior education, not only for this year, but for years to come. I will bring a proactive approach, a fresh outlook, and a can-do attitude to the position. As a mother of a child in the Norton Public Schools, ensuring a quality education and top notch academic opportunities for my child and the children of Norton will guide me through tough decisions.

While my political experience is limited, I have a great deal of professional experience that will benefit the residents of Norton. As a Buyer at Autopart International, my focus on cost savings, budgeting and fiscal planning will factor into my decisions on the School Committee.

RICH: I have recently earned my Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction. I feel that my 11 years working in the public school systems has provided me with a solid foundation for understanding all aspects of school organizations.  My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Sociology, Master of Science in Special Education, and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership.

I am passionate about the education of students and ensuring that all aspects of the system are cohesive not just for the students; but, for parents, faculty, and staff as well.

Prior to fulfilling a role in school administration for the past 3 years, I had been a special education teacher for 8 years in the public schools.  During that time, I had the opportunity to learn many aspects of the functions of public school systems.  My experience has included involvement with professional development committees, health and wellness committees, hiring committees, and as building representative for the teacher's union.  Additionally, I have managed the budget for an integrated preschool program, conducted evaluations of teachers, and provided support to programs seeking national accreditation.  Currently, I am a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).

Where do you stand on school issues?

MARGARET: My father always use to say  “An education is a gift that no one can ever take away from you”. I am strongly believer in public education and feel that as citizens we should make funding education a priority.   As funding source become smaller we are struggling to educate our children so they can be successful contributors to our society.  In the time I have been on the school committee, new courses including the DECA program have been added at the high school,  full day kindergarten has been added as an option, and foreign language has been introduced at the elementary level.  The building project at the high school is now a high priority, as it will not only provide opportunity to offer more science and math courses, but will contribute to the town as property values will increase.

TODESCO: Currently, the focus of the School Committee is not only the education of the children, but the education of the community pertaining to the renovation of Norton High School. I believe we need to give the community more information related to cost per household, benefits to residents with and without children, as well as the long term return on investments made within our school systems.

RICH: In order for students in our community to excel, it is important to be sure that we are providing them with all of the resources possible that assist and enhance their learning.  Education systems across the nation are feeling the financial constraints of the economy and although my former statement alludes to providing students with extensive resources, I also stand firm that there are many creative ways school districts can make this happen and it is not limited solely to the budget.

In addition, the school building project is on the forefront of the community concerns.  Given the dynamics surrounding the acquisition of the monies now versus later, I am in full support of the project.  Undertaking this project now will save the taxpayers more money in the long run and outside of the financial aspect, an updated building is necessary for the safety of the students and staff.

How, if at all, would you like to see improvements in the way the school committee is run?

MARGARET: The current school committee works well together. We represent a range of backgrounds—medicine, education, business, and knowledge of what it is like to be a parent.

TODESCO: Since I announced my candidacy, I have been approached by parents at basketball games, school events, and around town who have many questions regarding all of the possible upcoming changes in the schools. When I am elected, I want to be a liaison to the community. I want parents and residents to feel free to ask questions, provide suggestions, and express opinions which I can then take and present at the School Committee meetings. We all need to be proactive about education, no contribution is too small, and I believe Norton parents want to be more involved.

On April 26th I hope you will consider casting your vote for me. I will work hard, remained focused on the challenges ahead and will strive to increase community involvement.

Demand the best for the children in Norton.

RICH: If elected, I would have greater insight into the current operations of the School Committee, thereby allowing me to see what improvements should be made.