Letter to the Editor: From School Committee Candidate Dave Matela

Residents of Swampscott, my name is Dave Matela and I am running for school committee.  I wanted to use this forum to tell you about myself and the reasons I am running for the position.

I have lived in Swampscott for approximately nine years.  I am married and have three beautiful girls ages four through nine.  Two of them are currently in elementary school and are enjoying their school experience. 

They are without a doubt nothing but “Big Blue” and I am looking forward to their continued development both socially and academically as they proceed through the system.

In this short period of time I have met many wonderful parents, some of which have conveyed to me deep concerns about the education our children are receiving. 

I have also met parents that are taking or are considering removing their children from the school system and placing them in private institutions.  Out of personal concern, when this topic has arisen I have asked why. 

In response, several parents have expressed concerns about the math and science instruction they have been receiving in the elementary school.  Some parents added that pretesting at the private institutions has indicated that our children are a full year behind their contemporaries. 

When I heard of these experiences I became deeply concerned and asked why is our community losing their best and brightest?  To me this was and remains unacceptable.

There is no doubt that the school system has nothing but the best intentions for our children.  It is obvious that many bright ideas have been brought before the committee to assist in our children’s endeavors. 

Some of those ideas have included establishing and implementing a curriculum for the elementary school system, starting science fairs, and implementing tutors from Salem State to assist in mathematic studies. 

Unfortunately, many of the ideas appear to have been summarily dismissed, without proper vetting.  To me, this is also unacceptable.

The perspective that I offer to the school committee is simple.  Any idea, parental concern, or input is essential to our school system's success. 

There is no room for dismissing good ideas or delaying the implementation of those agreed upon.  I also feel that the community as a “whole” needs to be involved. 

It is counter productive and a distraction to have the mentality that it is Hadley verses Clarke verses Stanley.  It is also counter productive to alienate or in some circumstances to disrespect any parent for their view on any current issue.

 This is your child’s school system, and your tax dollars pay for it.  There is absolutely no room for divisiveness or delay when it comes to decisions regarding our children.

I assure you that if I am elected I will support the full exchange of ideas and opinions between the school committee and the community at large.