The following was sent to us by a reader –
Dear Editor and Reading residents,
In the April 8 election, we are voting to fill two seats on the School Committee, with one member who is stepping down after many years of valued service. Reading is fortunate to have had a School Committee that has operated seamlessly for the last few years, making a positive impact on our district. It is vital for the future success of our district to choose the most qualified candidates who will continue this close working relationship, and it could not be more clear that one of them is Lara Durgavich.
All candidates in this race care about our schools, but in a time when support for education at a national level is in question, we need local leadership that is strong, steady, and well-informed in order to best support our treasured public schools. We strongly support Lara, a candidate with a background that lends itself to help the Reading Public Schools become a leader in innovative education and meet the needs of all students.
Lara is the only candidate in this race who is both a parent in our district and also a teacher. As a college instructor, she has a unique perspective on trends in education and how they may affect our district. Her combined perspective of parent and educator will be invaluable to the committee and district as they debate and create policies to support our staff and students.
Lara is a skilled communicator who is passionate about education, and for those who haven’t met her yet, when you do you’ll find that that passion is inspiring and infectious. She is the very definition of someone who never stops learning. Effective School Committee members have a strong ability to connect with teachers and students and Lara will be that kind of leader. She is new to local politics but already possesses a solid understanding of the role of the Committee. She acknowledges the commitment and responsibility ahead of her and is eager to devote her time and skills to our town.
There is no question that when it comes to what is needed to be a strong School Committee member, Lara checks all of the boxes. Be sure to visit DurgavichforSC.com to learn more about her personal and professional background and watch the candidate forum to see what she will bring to the School Committee. Then, make a plan for how you’ll vote on Election Day, April 8 (RMHS Field House 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM), and join us in voting for Lara!
- Rebecca Bailey, Forest Glen Road, Town Meeting member
- Etain O’Dea, West Street, Town Meeting member
- Barry Berman, Longview Road, Town Meeting member
- Angela Binda, Orchard Park Drive, Town Meeting member
- Jeffrey Dietz, Orchard Park Drive, Town Meeting member
- Joseph Carnahan, Middlesex Ave, Town Meeting member
- Carolyn Johnson, Thorndike St., Town Meeting member
- Taylor Gregory, Pleasant Street, Town Meeting member
- Karen Gatley Herrick, Dividence Road, Town Meeting member
- Michael Bita, Strawberry Hill Lane
- Marlena Bita, Strawberry Hill Lane, Town Meeting member
- Julie Ross, Kensington Avenue, Town Meeting member
- Helena Johnson, Orchard Park Drive, Town Meeting member
- Stephanie Balaouras, Orchard Park Drive
