Personal Statements of Candidates for School Committee for the November Town Election

The following statements by candidates for Town Council were submitted to the Town of Amherst and posted on the town web site beginning October 6. Statements were limited to 900 characters and are reproduced below as they appeared on the town web site.  We are only posting the statements of candidates in contested races.  For the complete original postings, look here.  The Indy asked the candidates for School Committee on October 10, to respond to a set of questions about challenges facing our public schools.  Candidate responses will be posted in the Indy on Tuesday, October 21.

Candidates for School Committee (vote for five)

Esther Azar: My childhood educational experiences were not ideal. With undiagnosed learning disabilities and a school system that cared more about compliance than care, I struggled. Since then I have dedicated my life as a social worker, educator and rabbi to working with children and families to respect and honor our youngest humans. I am running for school committee in order to continue that work by engaging with the system. While I didn’t raise my children in Amherst, my fresh perspective and my trauma informed skill set coupled with my experience working in many different roles within a school will allow me to ask the right questions and find creative solutions. My work in the world is grounded in the following values: deep respect for children, equity for all, transparency and accountability, and collective liberation.

Andrew W. Hart: My name is Andrew Hart and I’m running for Amherst School Committee because I believe everyone involved in the task of educating our children needs our continued support. Our teachers, classroom aids, paraprofessionals, administrators, parents and families need our shared attention, our good ideas, and I am ready to help. As a parent, professional communicator, and creative problem solver, my priority will be working to evolve and strengthen how our district communicates with families, town council, and our regional partners. Our district needs a renewed, long-term vision for what we want our schools to become. I am committed to advocating for thoughtful budgeting, accountability, and creative solutions that meet Amherst’s diverse community needs.

Laura Jane Hunter: I am running for school committee because of my history with the schools in Amherst as a parent, my personal relationships with educators, and my background in social work and public health. I am well positioned to provide a fresh perspective to the district. I have demonstrated my commitment to the schools: years of volunteering as class parent, as treasurer/co-chair of the PGO at WW and ARMS, and baking too many cupcakes to count to support the Performing Arts. I know the challenges well, including the history of corruption and cronyism and the budget crisis facing our schools. I am committed to working with the administration to improve the hiring practices while continuing to hire diverse and talented staff. Our students deserve the most qualified teachers. I bring energy, a wealth of knowledge, and passion for the schools.

Bridget Hynes (incumbent): Hi, I’m Bridget Hynes, and I’m running for re-election to the Amherst School Committee. I’m a lifelong educator, parent of a recent ARPS graduate, and 20 year Amherst resident. I’ve worked across the educational system—from evaluating preschool and kindergarten programs to teaching college courses – and now focus on equity and access in higher ed. On the School Committee, I’ve helped hire a new superintendent, pass inclusive and anti-bullying policies, and draft a Fiscal Sustainability Report. I’ll advocate for green infrastructure inputs like solar at ARPS and HVAC upgrades at Crocker Farm to save money and preserve staff. I’ll work to improve academic outcomes, secure new funding, and build inclusive schools that reflect our full community. I’d be honored to continue serving.

Deborah Leonard (incumbent): Stewardship of the school districts is an ongoing undertaking. Yet I believe there is unfinished business for me to attend to after serving one two-year term on the school committee. Long-term financial stability requires forward looking strategies. These, in turn, require understanding the intersection of school finance with local and state funding constraints, procedures, and priorities. The superintendent goals and evaluation rubric should align with DESE guidance. The processes for their development should be made robust. There is a need for alignment, filling in gaps, and clarification of district policies. For the Amherst Elementary Schools, rigorous, detailed planning is essential for the 6th-grade move, redistrIcting, and the opening of the new elementary school. My commitment to a fact-based, caring, collaborative approach is reflected in my subcommittee and liaison work.

Sarah Marshall (incumbent): Every student deserves high-quality education. My priorities for the School Committee are: (1) Ensure that all students can learn in safe, supportive schools whatever their race, sexual identity, family circumstance, or ability, (2) Maintain strong programs of education and support during a time of severe budget pressures, (3) Ensure smooth transitions to the new K-5 school and the 6th-grade academy, (4) Rezone for elementary school enrollment with minimal upheaval for students and families, (5) Increase support for elementary students in math; (6) Maintain our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion for students and staff in the face of federal hostility. In my first term I chaired the Amherst School Committee (2024), served as liaison to the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, chaired the regional Budget & Audit subcommittee, and advocated for a student Bill of Rights.