DIANE MAYHEW
Name: Diane M. Mayhew
Address: 21 West Glen Drive
Occupation: School Committee Member
What experience and qualifications do you have that would be an asset to city schools?
I have 3 children who have gone through the Westfield Public School System. I was always involved in the schools by volunteering and being co-president of the PTO. During my 2 terms on the School Committee, I have invested a significant amount of time and energy that this position requires by visiting schools yearly, going to workshops here in town, Holyoke, Lee, and have attended the yearly conference in Hyannis MA on issues of finance, policy, ethics, open meeting law, and collective bargaining. I work well with others and have an understanding of my role and responsibility.
What are your main concerns for the schools and how do you hope to address them?
Chronic Absenteeism. 10% or 18 or more days out of 180 is considered chronic. This may be an early warning sign of a student to drop out of school. I am currently in my 2nd year of being a part of an Attendance Task Force which was implemented by Supt. Czaporowski. Along with District Administrators and Dept. Heads, we are coming up with new practices and procedures to help guide our schools to increase their attendance rates.
What do you consider the most successful recent project/program in the school system?
Our bringing Russell Elementary School back to Westfield, and redistricting 2 of our schools to an Intermediate and Middle.
What project/program needs to be a priority in Westfield’s schools?
New Elementary School. Whether it is one that is renovated from an existing building or a new construction; our students deserve the best place to learn. I believe environment affects teaching and learning.
Why should residents vote for you?
I would love the opportunity to be re-elected in order to continue to be an advocate for the educational needs of our community’s children. I am honest, reliable, hardworking and responsible. I am passionate about public education and its role in developing lifelong learners and engaged productive citizens.
What would you consider your achievements as a member of School Committee?
One of my biggest achievements has got to be policy. As Chair of the Human Resources and Policy subcommittee for almost 8 years now, I am proud to say that we have amended, revised, adopted, rescinded and reviewed a total of 344 policies. The Committee, along with Superintendent and Department Heads have been so supportive of my endeavor to bring our policies into the 21st century. As policies are living documents, they are never totally done. As laws change and circumstances happen, policy must always be watched. Having clear articulated policies promotes a safe and secure school environment which in turn is also essential to effective education and student achievement. We have also put all of our Districts policies on-line through the School departments website a couple of years ago.
