Lexington High School, School Council Election

3-year term, 2006-2009

Statement submitted January 2006

I would be honored to represent the parents of Lexington on the LHS School Council, as the voice of parents needs to be fully and well heard within the school community.  I believe that LHS should be a democratic institution with a deep commitment to the ideals of free thought, civics, and intellectual rigor.  I encourage parent participation in the education of children, and open dialogue between diverse stakeholders.  We must ensure that the parent perspective is appropriately incorporated into the LHS decision-making process.  I strive to be collaborative, open to diverse perspectives and respectful of all people.  

Last year I helped organize and lead a group of parents who were concerned about the proposal to eliminate GPA weighting.  The result of our work was a deferral of the decision, pending a more open and thorough study of GPA weighting this year.  

Going forward, our community has some tough choices to make as education and health care spending spiral upward, putting a squeeze on taxpayers.  I have a background in economics, finance and strategy, and have been trained in mediation and facilitative leadership.  I have travelled and worked abroad and value a global perspective.  Prior to moving to Lexington in 1998, I was the parent co-chair of a public elementary School Council in Cambridge, and I view the Council as a critical venue for ensuring parent input into the school policy process.  Next year my children will be in the freshman and senior classes at LHS.

Adam Seitchik