Hello. My name is Kathie Steinberg and I am running for School Committee.

I would like to thank the League for this opportunity to introduce myself tonight.

We moved here twenty years ago with our three daughters who all attended the Wayland schools. Like many of you, we moved here, in large measure, because of the outstanding school system.

While my children attended school I volunteered in many different capacities from room parent to Middle School PTO president, served on the school council and the WHS Scholarship Committee.

Two of my daughters have had the wonderful opportunity to return to Wayland as student teachers. Now, as my daughters begin their own educational careers, I have seen the continuing influence of these dedicated and compassionate educators as role models and mentors.

I want to ensure the continued excellence of our schools. For me, the key issue remains our ability to attract and retain excellent teachers, staff and administrators for this is at the core of what makes the school experience great for our children.

We also need to make sure we support initiatives, maintain and incorporate programs that take into account changes in education and changes in our world.

We need to identify the material aspects of the overall budget for review and consideration.

And, as the policy makers charged with fulfilling the mission of Wayland’s school, we need to advocate for our students academic experience while nurturing confident, collaborative and conscientious individuals.

I look forward to working with the other members of the School Committee, Dr. Stein and his staff and I ask for your vote at the polls on March 31.