Portsmouth School Committee candidates share goals if elected

Five residents running for four seats

Posted 11/2/18

PORTSMOUTH — Five candidates — three Republicans, one Democrat and one Independent — are running for four available seats on the Portsmouth School Committee on …

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Portsmouth School Committee candidates share goals if elected

Five residents running for four seats

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — Five candidates — three Republicans, one Democrat and one Independent — are running for four available seats on the Portsmouth School Committee on Tuesday, Nov 6.

We asked each candidate about their personal goals if elected. Here are their responses, in alphabetical order by the candidates’ last names.

Frederick W. Faerber, III (Independent)

I want to elevate Portsmouth school district’s ranking, especially the high school, which is generally ranked third in the state and among the top 3 percent in the country, according to U.S. News. Our science program is ranked No. 1 in R.I. 

I want to increase educational rigor to prepare graduates for whatever endeavors they choose. I want to continue emphasis on STEAM-related courses believing most future careers will require familiarity with those skills. Graduates may have multiple job changes in their lives and we should try to provide them the best education to enable them to adapt. Even graduates who choose not to attend college may change their minds later and should not require remedial training for college level study. 

I want to ensure we continue progress in social/emotional and special needs assistance. Portsmouth is a leader in safety and security and I want to remain vigilant. I want to maintain a trusted relationship with the Town Council and taxpayers. A strong school district enhances property values. 

I’m also a member of the R.I. Association of School Committees which provides improving education advocacy for state school districts and professional development opportunities for school committee members.

Catherine H. Holtman (Democrat)

My name is Catherine Holtman and I would like to explain the three areas I intend to focus on if elected to the Portsmouth School Committee. 

As a parent of two young children, I believe I can be a strong advocate for parents with children in the school system. I have a long-term vested interest in the success of our schools. I want to ensure that our schools provide an academically enriching experience in an environment that is physically safe and emotionally supportive. 

Second, I would like to focus on ensuring that our district continues their efforts to prevent violence, substance abuse and bullying. We need to ensure we are providing our teachers and administrators with the resources they need to educate the whole child. 

Finally, I firmly believe that all member of the community benefit from a strong school system. I want to focus on ensuring we are making smart and effective investments in our schools. Fiscal transparency and accountability are key to making sure resources are being used where they are most needed and maintaining the support of the community.

I welcome the opportunity to serve the community where my husband and I reside.

John Amos Schlesinger (Republican)

I am an advocate of all the great things Portsmouth schools already have achieved and hope I can help make our schools even better. As a parent with children in the elementary and middle school, I have seen how good our schools are. 

I have been a teacher and grant-writer for a school system in Virginia. As a parent at Hathaway, I started a technology club after school to help children learn the basics of coding. This shouldn’t have to be a club; it needs to be a class and partner of the school curriculum. Like any language, the earlier the exposure the better. 

Technology as a tool for learning is something I have always been passionate about. It isn’t enough to write a check and buy the newest toy. Technology is a tool, not a solution. An invested teacher with the right tools can empower his or her classroom to unlimited heights. 

The most impactful thing we can do is to have smaller class sizes. The smaller the class size, the stronger learning bond a teacher can have with a student. The stronger the bond in the classroom, the easier it is to for real learning to happen. 

Allen J. Shers (Republican)

It has been an honor for me to serve on the Portsmouth School Committee the last three years. The responsibility given to me has led to a heightened conviction to get it right for every suggestion and vote.

The Portsmouth school system is the heart of our town. A health, viable school system is essential for a successful, balanced community. It has been my goal to do what is needed for the school system is a cost-effective manner. There has to be a funding balancing answering to system needs while respecting the community’s pocketbook. 

The past three years have had many proud, rewarding moments. As a group with diversified opinions, there have been tempered moments which all have blended successfully into our board having a singular goal of a great educational experience for all students. I would appreciate the chance if the electorate sees fit to vote me into office on the School Committee for another term. 

There is work to be done. I have the time and the desire to create the best environment to produce outstanding scholastic achievement for the Portsmouth school system.

Thomas Richard Vadney (Republican)

Education is about more than academics. While I do agree accountability through testing is important, we also need to focus equal attention on our children’s social and emotional needs. We can provide the best education around, but if our children are not prepared for the complicated and sometimes stressful world they will be entering, the best education is for nothing. 

Most of the attention is placed on the high school, but it is in elementary school where our children’s future is determined. If a student cannot read at grade level by the third grade, the chances of that student being successful at school, and in life, are greatly reduced. 

This is also true for social and emotional learning. For some children the teacher is the only adult with whom they frequently interact. It is incumbent upon the schools to go beyond providing passive emotional support that requires our students to seek it out. 

Instead, we need to integrate the support into the curriculum by including social and emotional learning, also referred to as soft skills. Doing so will teach our children how to interact successfully with society and manage the stresses of modern living.

Portsmouth School Committee, Election 2018

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A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.