We want to introduce ourselves as hopeful newcomers to the Amherst School Committee.

As working parents of school-aged children, we know firsthand about many of the struggles of families in our community. We also know that each of our experiences are different, and don’t reflect the wide range of cultures, family compositions, and perspectives in Amherst. We are both dedicated to seeking out and learning from community members who have not always felt represented when it comes to decision making about our schools.

Phoebe is a graduate of Amherst public schools and the mother of three ARPS students. She is a member of the ARPS Elementary School Building Committee, the group tasked with developing plans for the elementary school building project. Jennifer is the parent of an ARMS student, former co-president of the Amherst Education Foundation, former Town Meeting member, and has been active on town issues since 2016.

We will proactively engage with families and community members, particularly those who have been disenfranchised in the past, to hear and address their concerns. The current School Committee has failed to adequately engage families and school staff on big decisions like changing school start times and moving sixth graders to the middle school. Decisions like these have wide-ranging impacts and unintended consequences, and it is vital that we proactively seek input from families who will be affected, so that their concerns can be heard and addressed.

We know that building trust takes mutual respect, active listening, and genuine engagement. We look forward to earning the trust of families and educators through proactive, two-way communication. As our school district embarks on major initiatives like the elementary school building project, and as our students and staff recover from (and continue to live through) a global pandemic, we will work with all stakeholders and talk to families where they are, to gather input and address concerns.

As women of color who are raising children of color, we believe that representation matters. We invite you to join us in supporting a diverse and inclusive school district by voting for Phoebe Merriam and Jennifer Page.

Phoebe Merriam
and Jennifer Page

Amherst