To the editor:

I enthusiastically support Ellen Joachim as a write-in candidate for the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee.

As members of the Sudbury School Committee, Ellen and I worked together for three years. I have never met somebody with such an amazing balance of intelligence, passion, work ethic, and patience as Ellen. Unless you worked directly with Ellen, you would never know all the great work she was doing because she never wanted to be recognized for it. Ellen just wanted what was best for others and, most importantly, Sudbury’s students. She never thought about what others would think or how the public would react; Ellen always did what she knew in her heart was the right decision for kids.

As some may know, Ellen has a law degree from Harvard and was an attorney before she left the profession to raise a family. Having known this, I would always joke with her that she really should have become a teacher because of her deep passion for education. After getting to really know Ellen over the years, there is no doubt in my mind that she felt the same way, which is why she committed her life to serving six years on the Sudbury School Committee and numerous years as a volunteer at Nixon Elementary, and why she is now seeking election to the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee.

As a parent whose oldest daughter is less than four years away from high school, I care deeply about those whom we elect to represent our high school. That being said, there is not one person in Sudbury I would rather see on the school committee than Ellen. Not only is she more than qualified but also has the previous experience to start getting things done on day one. In an ever-changing world, not just in respect to education but also safety, this immediate experience is invaluable. As Ellen outlined during the recent candidates’ night, we cannot afford to mull over student safety; we need to act now. I can tell you from three years of experience that this is how Ellen governs. To be frank, Ellen never kicks the can down the road; she deals with things head on and gets them done.

Please join me on Monday, March 26 by writing in Ellen Joachim for Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee.

Sincerely,

Scott Nassa
36 Clark Lane, Sudbury

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.

To the editor:

We are writing to wholeheartedly endorse Ellen Joachim for L-S School Committee. We had the honor of serving on the Sudbury School Committee with Ellen and hold her in the highest regard as a strong and compassionate leader. Ellen brings six years of experience on the SPS School Committee, including that of chair; many years as a volunteer in the schools (including Nixon PTO co-chair); her legal training and career in law; and personal experience as a graduate of L-S herself and as an L-S parent for the past seven and a half years.

We always appreciated her wisdom and balanced view of each situation. Ellen never compromised her values. She was gracious, supportive, and always a pleasure to work alongside. Ellen carefully navigated difficult situations, possessed firmness that was not abrasive, and spoke out when necessary but more often listened thoughtfully. Her presence on the School Committee and her commitment to the students of Sudbury were among her greatest assets. We are confident that Ellen will bring these traits to the L-S School Committee.

Ellen puts the well-being of students first! This was true when SPS increased building safety in the elementary and middle schools and as she guided discussions about necessary financial support for the schools. She made students her first concern as she worked tirelessly through contract negotiations. We cannot overstate the value that Ellen brought to every discussion, collaborating respectfully with those of differing viewpoints, and using good judgment in decision-making. These qualities ensured that she was effective in her commitment to all students.

We are confident that Ellen will prioritize school safety and increased collaboration between L-S, SPS, and LPS, and she will thoughtfully consider school start time issues. She will work side by side with her committee members to offer new ideas that support a high-quality education that helps our students develop emotionally, socially, and academically, and prepares them to take their next steps in life.

You can learn more about Ellen on her campaign Facebook page, “Ellen Joachim for L-S School Committee,” and from her participation in the League of Women Voters Candidates Night through this Sudbury TV link. Please join us in writing in Ellen Joachim for L-S School Committee on Monday, March 26.

Sincerely,

Rich Robison
Homestead Street, Sudbury
Member of Sudbury School Committee, 1996-2014

Lisa Gutch
Silver Hill Road, Sudbury
Member of Sudbury School Committee, 2010-2013

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.

(Editor’s note: St. George is a member of the Sudbury School Committee.)

To the editor:

I am encouraging all voters to write-in “Ellen Joachim” for the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee. She is a known supporter of our students who has tirelessly served and advocated with integrity for our Sudbury schools, staff and students for over 15 years.

I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with and alongside Ellen for many years, starting at Nixon School as fellow PTO members and, more recently, for five years on the SPS School Committee. As a colleague she is collegial, fair, respectful, and able to take on and follow through with whatever needs to be done. She is a well-respected leader—a PTO chair at Nixon, and most recently School Committee vice chair, chair, then my vice chair.

As a trusted leader, Ellen has worked tirelessly for the academic and social/emotional wellbeing of all our students. Ellen is a good listener, respectful of all stakeholders and able to ask tough questions and make tough decisions. She has performed many duties including active liaison positions on multiple town boards. She has worked closely with Chief Nix and SPS administration to ensure comprehensive and strategic safety measures were put in place across the schools.

Ellen has been active in attending multi-town School Committee roundtable discussions and supported tri-district collaboration between LPS, L-S, and SPS. A former lawyer, she is well organized and process-oriented, and she has a solid understanding of budget drivers across Sudbury, negotiation experience, and an eye for efficiencies whenever possible.

I have no doubt that Ellen will bring fresh eyes, ears and thoughtfulness to the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee. She has true commitment and history as she is a former LSRHS graduate, and has been a parent at L-S for several years, with her third son a rising senior in the fall of 2018.

Please write in your vote for “Ellen Joachim” for Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee on Monday, March 26. Your vote matters!

Sincerely,

Lucie St. George
Concord Rd., Sudbury

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.

To the editor:

I am writing this letter in support of L-S School Committee candidate Siobhan Hullinger.

I have worked with Siobhan on the HOPEsudbury board for a few years now, and she is genuine in her endeavors to be of service to others. Siobhan leads the Community Outreach Committee and has educated herself further about nonprofits, training with the Metrowest Nonprofit Network. Siobhan is not only ready to serve, but also willing to educate herself to be the best possible board member, whether for HOPEsudbury or the L-S School Committee.

What better qualification for the L-S School Committee than to have a board member who actually is in touch with the school, its administration, teachers, parent organization, and beyond? Not only is Siobhan an active parent volunteer, organizer, and spectator with many L-S Committees and activities, but she also serves on the board of the Lincoln-Sudbury Scholarship Fund Dollars for Scholars. Serving on this board (unaffiliated with LSRHS) provides an opportunity for discussions not limited to just scholarships for students. Because members are both from Sudbury and Lincoln, it also provides an opportunity for conversations about a common goal, transcending town lines. As an LSSC member, Siobhan will bring to the table thoughts and ideas based on real observations and experiences.

Sudbury and Lincoln residents can be confident that any decisions put in front of a school committee on which Siobhan serves will have the full rigor of vetting and discussion required to make an educated plan, providing what is best for students, faculty, administrators, and taxpayers alike. Sio knows how to remain objective and make decisions based on what is best for all parties. To me, she models how to stand back and look at the “big picture.”

Siobhan’s decision to run for public office was not one taken lightly by her or her family, but they know how passionate she is. As LSRHS begins to write its next chapter, taxpayers from Lincoln and Sudbury alike need to know their LSSC members will remain vigilant to the need of all stakeholders.

Please join me and write in “Siobhan Hullinger (55 Washington Dr.”) for L-S School Committee on Monday. A vote for Siobhan is a vote for both Sudbury and Lincoln.

Beth Farrell
55 Peakham Road, Sudbury

Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.