Schools

Silverman To Run For School Committee

Town meeting member Eric Silverman announces his candidacy for Framingham School Committee; there are two seats available in April 2013.

Editor's Note: Under the Framingham Patch election policy, each candidate is allowed to submit a written announcement. The following was submitted by the candidate - Eric Silverman.

It is a great privilege to announce my candidacy for School Committee. I know well the challenges and assets of our school system--and the resources and supports necessary to ensure educational success for all students in our dynamic, diverse community. I pledge to harness my extensive professional, personal, and civic experiences to promote academic excellence so we educate our town’s children for an exciting, productive future.

Professionally, I have more than two decades experience in higher education as a professor, department chair, program innovator, academic leader, and internationally known scholar. I teach at Wheelock College---a school devoted to “improving the lives of children and families,” a mission well suited to a role on School Committee. I am passionate about the transformative role of education in preparing young people for meaningful, productive lives as engaged local and global citizens. I also understand the full spectrum of academic and other services and programs necessary for making certain that all students achieve their intellectual potential. I will bring a proven educator’s perspective to School Committee.

I will also bring to School Committee firsthand familiarity with town government and finances. I currently serve as a Town Meeting member with experience on several standing committees, including Education and Ways & Means. In fact, it was my commitment to public education that first prompted my involvement in town government.

Personally, my own children attended Stapleton Elementary, where I served on School Council. They now attend Cameron Middle School and the High School. Through them, I am familiar with a broad array of school programs ranging from core academics and various electives to drama, athletics, jazz band, and other activities. I am deeply committed to shaping an equitable school system that teaches to the whole child.

As a member of School Committee, I look forward to working on the following issues, among others:

  • Reducing the achievement gap as measured by the state through our latest MCAS scores. We must guarantee educational excellence for all children.
  • Collaborating with the Board of Selectman, parents, teachers, and other community leaders and stakeholders. A vibrant school system is the heart of a thriving community.
  • Curricular innovation. We need to maintain rigor in core academics, and to explore STEM initiatives (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). But we must also staff a broad and exciting curriculum that will prepare students to grapple with difficult global, social, and moral challenges.
  • Fostering innovative teaching strategies and classroom technologies.
  • Addressing issues of space, especially in the younger grades


Framingham's finest asset is our public school system--with its diverse students, committed teachers, supportive parents, and engaged community. As a member of School Committee, my moral and professional charge will be to translate my extensive experiences as an educator, parent, and member of town government to make certain that all of our town's children receive equal and full access to the finest education possible.

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