Letter To The Editor: Swampscott School Committee Member Seeks Second Term

SWAMPSCOTT, MA – This is a letter to the Swampscott Patch from Gargi Cooper, announcing her candidacy for a second term on the Swampscott School committee. To submit a letter to the editor, email swampscott@patch.com.

"I am pleased to announce that I am running for a second three -year term on the Swampscott School Committee.

I have been deeply involved in our schools for more than eight years as a parent, PTA volunteer and current school board member. All three of my children attend the Swampscott Public Schools. I am a nurse practitioner by profession and run the Medical outreach program of out the Lynn Community Health center that provides medical care to the homeless in Lynn. In my professional life I am a tireless advocate to help the most vulnerable population seek care and move out of homelessness. As a volunteer in our town I am a passionate advocate for our students and believe in the power of public education and the possibilities of the Swampscott Public School system.

My contributions to our youth and community reach far beyond our schools. I also volunteer as a Girl Scout Leader, a youth soccer coach, and a Swampscott Youth Soccer Board Member. In addition, I am a Town meeting member for precinct 2. I strongly believe that our school district demands long term functional and financial planning combined with community engagement and transparency to be successful. I have strived to keep these essential concepts at the core of my commitment to the Swampscott School Board.

Prior to my tenure on the board there had been a large amount of turnover within our school district leadership and on the school committee. This lack of consistency has caused the district great difficulties in gaining traction on many important initiatives including addressing mental health support and technology needs. I am proud to contribute to the district strategic plan that places the emotional and behavioral safety of our students at the forefront. I would like to see the mental health initiatives (Swift and Harbor programs) that were introduced into the high school this year expand to our middle school because they will provide our children with the support needed to address the needs of students re-entering school after absences, due to serious mental health challenges or medical illness.

For the first time our town government and school department have developed a collaborative relationship. Under my direction as Chair of Joint Facilities Task Force, I led the school system to work with our town administration to strengthen Swampscott’s infrastructure and improve efficiencies. Hiring a Joint facilities director has helped our district become more proactive and begin a plan for preventative maintenance of our school buildings.

I believe in continuing to build a shared vision for our work and building strategic partnerships to support continuous improvement in the Swampscott Public Schools. There is still a lot of work to be done as our district needs to address our deteriorating school buildings and develop a district technology plan to prepare our Swampscott students to become global learners. Our district continues to be faced with difficult budget decisions as we have a responsibility to support our hard working teaching staff while trying to maintain basic improvement and safety in our buildings. Our current school board has been working collaboratively and has been able to drive our district forward. Continuity on the board is paramount to continuing our districts positive momentum.

With the knowledge and experience I have gained over these past three years, I am truly invested and committed to bring these and many other much needed initiatives to completion. I look forward to having the opportunity to continue my service as a Swampscott School Committee member, and hope to earn your vote on April 25.

Respectfully,
Gargi Cooper"

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