Hello, Swampscott friends and neighbors,
I am writing this letter to advocate for your vote for my good friend and former running mate, Suzanne Wright. I was elected to the Swampscott School Committee with Suzanne six years ago and am very proud of the direction this district has moved in and the work this committee has accomplished.
I have learned so much from Suzanne over these past six years and am in awe of her energy and enthusiasm for volunteering to improve Swampscott. She is the chair of the School Building Committee, chair of the Policy sub-committee, vice chair of the School Committee, and has served in numerous liaison roles. Suzanne is a hardworking, tireless advocate and her impact on the school board has been phenomenal.
One of the main responsibilities of the School Committee is to develop and update policies.
Suzanne has continually served on the policy subcommittee and is instrumental in updating and improving our policies. She holds our district to high standards and holds individuals accountable. Her expertise and passion to bring technology and flexible budgets will
be essential in the recovery from the current COVID-19 crisis and disruption in our education.
Suzanne understands the complexities of our school budget and is constantly advocating for improving efficiencies and thinking outside the box. Suzanne is more than a volunteer for this community; she has taken on roles for which I often say she should be paid.
As the chair of the School Building Committee, her ability to organize and work with so many groups of people with such different ideas is a testament to her open-minded spirit and passion to complete this school project for the well-being of not only all the children and staff in our schools, but also the entire Swampscott community.
Being a member of the School Committee has been a journey that will end for me but needs to continue for Suzanne so she can continue the important work this committee has done.
I want to thank my fellow board members as they have all helped me to grow as an individual and have continually challenged me to see others’ perspectives on difficult issues. Carin, thank you for your quiet, level-headed resolve; Ted, thank you for your thoughtful way of highlighting our fellow community members’ achievements; and to Amy for challenging me on many fronts, but being willing to hear each other when our perspectives differ.
Suzanne, you have been a great listener, friend and running mate. While I have chosen to step down from the committee I am confident that with your continued experience and leadership the School Committee will continue to do great things.
Gargi Cooper
Chair, Swampscott School Committee