Hello Westfield Stakeholders,
My name is Cindy Sullivan and I’m seeking re-election for my third term on the School Committee. I have lived in Westfield with my husband Patrick (a Westfield native) for over 20 years. We have two children who attend Westfield Public Schools our daughter is a Senior at Westfield High School and our son is a Freshmen at the Westfield Technical Academy. We have owned a home in Westfield since 1997, and we all have been heavily involved in the Westfield community through volunteer work and participating in many organizations.
I’m a college graduate from Springfield College with a degree in Psychology. I’m proud to be the first person in my family to attend and graduate from college. Education is something I value at all levels..
As the Executive Director of the Southwick Senior Center I recognize the impact increased taxes and limited services have on our Senior Citizens. I was instrumental in bringing a Senior Tax Work Off program and received funding for a SHINE Counselor to work directly in our office so Seniors have access to healthcare inquires. Before my work with Senior Citizens I worked for a Specialized Foster Care Agency for 17 years. I had the daunting task of moving children and finding appropriate services and treatment for them. I also helped to stabilize them with the hope they live happily, learn without distraction, and build lasting relationships. I will always support the programs to address the drug epidemic such as the implementation of Botvin Life Skills that will be added to our Health Curriculum. Educating the whole child will help families and decrease our dropout rate. I have sat in hundreds of Individual Education Planning (IEP) meetings advocating for Special Ed Services. I have supported the creation of SPED programs during my tenure on the School Committee saving the City approximately $1.2 million a year.
I have also supported the implementation of a Literacy Plan throughout our district. Literate learners are able to listen, speak, read, write, and comprehend more effectively. The SC has supported software programs and other interventions to meet the child’s needs. Implementing a bullying policy and supporting the creation of a new technology plan which includes a bring your own device component are also supported by me. I have also advocated for more equity in all of our schools. Our elementary and high schools are soaring with restructuring and the addition of great programs. I have also advocated for the middle schools to have equal educational opportunities and the decision to move to a 5/6th and 7/8th grade model is something I strongly supported. Sub-committees have been formed and the work is beginning. A necessary part of the process is including parents and teachers in these important discussions to make sure we are thinking of all aspects. I have supported the plan to build a new school.. Simply put we need a new school in our downtown. We are wasting money on fixing old schools with band aids when 2 buildings need to be closed. We will have cost savings with a reduction of administrators, potential custodial and office staff as well as outrageous utility bills. Our students who live downtown deserve a 21st century education. We are hoping the MSBA will allow us to build a 400 student school without encroaching on the 1.3 acres of land better known as Article 97. I have spoken to several residents who would be directly impacted by the new school and they encourage me to keep fighting for the school location on Ashley/Cross St.
The budget is always a hot topic. There is no question that the school budget is a huge portion of the city budget.Highly qualified teachers is a key to a well rounded education and I support Professional Development and more collaboration between teachers. You hear a lot about union raises, a City Councilor has even gone so far to recently say that we don’t need lifetime employees….What does that even mean? Teachers shouldn’t settle into a community and expect to teach there until they retire? How many of you worked at the same job for 25 or 30 years? I’m guessing there are thousands of you living right here in this city. Collective bargaining, which the SC fully participates in, is not easy and neither side leaves the table happy. A few benefits teachers have negotiated include the elimination of Severance payouts upon retirement, which has saved Westfield millions of dollars. Furlough days have been taken off the books saving tens of thousands of dollars. Teachers also agreed at the bargaining table to accept higher health insurance premiums, thus saving the taxpayer millions. Teachers are being tasked everyday to do more with less. Even with raises, Westfield teachers are among the lowest paid in our surrounding communities and the state. Both parties do what they can to avoid mediation, arbitration, or work to rule. City Counselors have been asked to join us at the table during negotiations and they have declined. It is easier to criticize an outcome if you have not engaged in the entire process. The SC cuts the budget every year before it is presented to the City Council. In recent years cuts of $526,000 and $2million have been made before presenting the budget to the City Council. The Superintendent was asked to make cuts furthest away from students. Cuts included 4 administrative positions, a custodian, and a secretarial position along with many other positions not being filled. We go line by line by line through the budget. We ask questions to make sure every position is justified. When responsibilities are added to someone’s job we change job title not add a new position.
Finally, I haven’t met anyone who likes MCAS testing. A district is not defined by the number they are given by the state based on a test that every student has to take no matter their disability or personal circumstance. I don’t think this is fair or just but The State of Massachusetts requires this test so we need to pay attention to it. I assure you wonderful things are happening in our schools every day. There are so many programs that I would love to highlight here, we are not perfect but the district has made great strides and will continue on this path.. I’m hoping that you consider voting for me so I can continue to advocate for students while being mindful of our communities needs including those of our Senior Citizens. . I believe in transparency and have sat in meetings listening and learning from our parents about the needs of their children. What you see is what you get with me. I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not. I would appreciate your vote on November 7th.
Best Regards,
Cindy Sullivan
