Silvia Nerssessian for SPS School Committee

The first time Silvia and I met, our “quick” meeting turned into hours talking about all we love about Sudbury. You would not hesitate to invite her to your dinner table because she is warm, bright, and curious. She wants what we all want: a community of people who, through deep listening, innovative thinking, and bold action, build a school district that is second to none.

Silvia is genuinely curious about what matters to people. She listens for their values and is then better equipped to think outside the box when it comes to addressing their concerns. I have witnessed this when she talks about Odyssey, the budgeting process, and the alignment of education policy with district goals and state mandates. Her demonstrated ability to listen, reframe, and reflect back, coupled with her willingness to leave her current perspective, take a broad look at new ideas and options, and thoughtfully analyze all possibilities, will not only serve the SPS school committee, but the District and the community, as well.

As a professional, Silvia returned a school operating at a financial deficit back to the thriving institution it once was. When I asked her how she did that, she replied, “Relationships.” It is not only her ability to form respectful relationships with both those who do and do not share her views, but her working knowledge of the budget process, program evaluation, and teacher hiring and retention, that makes her a superior candidate. Silvia regularly attends meetings for the Board of Selectmen, FinCom, and SPS School Committee. She also attends the Strategic Financial Planning Committee for capital funding and the BOS District Restructuring Committee. She knows that the schools and town boards cannot be siloed; they must be aware of each others’ roles and be willing to collaborate as cost centers, to exact the most efficient use of limited resources. She is civic minded both when people are watching and not. This is not a hobby for Silvia; it is her commitment to her family and her community that drives her.

By collaborating with her fellow school committee members, the SPS administration, and the families she represents, Silvia will work tirelessly to bridge the gap from where we are, to where we want to be. We desperately need her skills, energy, and resources right now. I recommend her without reservation and ask you to vote for her on Monday, March 26th.

Respectfully,

Christina Granahan

Shadow Oak Drive