I write to endorse Ben Herrington for School Committee. Ben will represent families who don’t often have a seat at the table.
He will speak from his own experience as a veteran, a working parent, a person of color, a union member and a renter. And he will seek out the perspective of people who may not have the resources to attend meetings and engage in advocacy.
Ben’s experience in building maintenance and construction, from his time on the Army Corps of Engineers and years of professional service, make him ideally suited to serve on the School Committee during this important time that decisions need to be made about our elementary school buildings. He will champion a sustainable and green approach to school building projects.
Ben has a deep understanding that educating students is about more than academic achievement. He will advocate for increased access to high-quality out-of-school activities that enhance social and emotional well-being, regardless of families’ financial barriers.
Last month, Ben was invited to participate in the African-American Read-In at Wildwood Elementary School, as part of the kickoff for Black History Month. He chose a book about African traditions to read to a class of fifth-grade students. Ben knows the importance of promoting literacy as well as celebrating diversity in our schools. He will advocate for expanding successful programs like this one into more schools in our district.
We need more people like Ben at the helm of our school district. With his deep understanding of the issues facing working families in Amherst, and his professional experience and passion for social justice, he will help lead our schools in the right direction at this crucial time.
I hope you will join me in voting for Ben Herrington on March 27.
Jennifer Page
Amherst