WESTFIELD – After one year on the Westfield School Committee, first-time members Ray Diaz, Diane Mayhew and Michael Tirrell, are all looking forward to year number two.
The three political newcomers earned seats in last year’s election, with Diaz and Mayhew elected to four-year seats and Tirrell filling the remaining two years of former committee member Laura Maloney’s term. Tirell said this week he looks forward to another election season and the work ahead.
“I’m excited,” he said. “This past year has been a great learning experience.”
Tirrell will continue to serve on the curriculum and finance subcommittees, and will also add the technology committee to his duties, which is something he hoped for from day one.
“One of the things I really wanted to get involved with was technology,” he said.
While his subcommittee assignments are priorities for Tirrell in 2013, he said the tragedy in Newtown, Conn. last month has put safety front and center for all School Committee members.
“We’re definitely looking long and hard at security right now,” said Tirrell. “It’s an effort the superintendent is taking seriously, as are we and the mayor.”
Tirrell said security “is at the top of my priority list” along with technology.
Mayhew agreed that security is of utmost importance. As a member of the policy subcommittee, Mayhew is committed to reviewing and updating district policies, including security, volunteer and visitor policies.
“What happened in Connecticut threw us for a loop,” Mayhew said. “It has really affected us.”
The school security policy was one that was updated this past year. However, Mayhew said in the wake of the Newtown shooting, it is being scrutinized further.
“We’re pulling it out again,” she said.
Mayhew said she requested she remain assigned to the policy committee to finish what she started. Mayhew said the committee updated two of 11 sections of the policy book in about six months last year and she is dedicated to updating every section before her term ends.
Mayhew said she truly enjoys being part of the School Committee.
“This group of people – I have so much respect for them,” she said. “Everyone brings something different to the committee and works together.”
Diaz agreed security would top the entire committee’s concerns this year. However, he was confident in the safety of Westfield students.
“We are looking at our policies, but I think we’re ahead of a lot of districts,” Diaz said.
Technology is another priority for Diaz, who said there will be meetings to discuss technology programs that work, such as the Read 180 program.
“We need to look at using programs that have been successful even more,” he said. “I’m excited about it and looking forward to the next year – and I hope I’m making a difference.”
