Submitted by Emily Prince
Please join me in voting for Sarah McGinley for Bedford School Committee on Saturday, March 11th. I met Sarah in 2019 when our oldest children entered kindergarten. We were both navigating life with a kindergartener and preschooler (in Sarah’s case, twin preschoolers), while establishing roots in the school community. I have gotten to know Sarah well and admire her commitment to ensuring Bedford schools are inclusive and accessible for all students while also advocating for high academic standards.
I’ve witnessed Sarah’s commitment to these standards firsthand. For example, in August 2020, the administration initially proposed outsourcing the teaching and curriculum for students electing to learn remotely for the upcoming school year. Upon reading this proposal, Sarah responded immediately. She drafted a letter detailing why the proposed plan would not be equitable, and she gathered community input and accompanying letters of support over the course of a weekend. She recognized the value of a Bedford-run classroom and understood that the district’s initial plan would not provide all students with commensurate learning opportunities. Her background as a litigator was apparent in her ability to think critically and develop compelling arguments, and I better understood Sarah’s commitment to equity.
Similarly, over the past year, Sarah has served as the first military family representative to the School Committee. Through this experience, she has a clear understanding of the expectations and demands of the position.
Sarah comes to these meetings well prepared with input from both the Hanscom and broader Bedford community, asks insightful questions, and contributes a thoughtful and diverse perspective. She is detail-oriented, and she gathers all available information before reaching a conclusion. These skills are critical for success in a role that requires making difficult financial and personnel decisions impacting the district’s vision and our children’s education.
Sarah and I also served as co-room parents for our youngest children’s kindergarten classroom. Sarah was very collaborative, organized, and considerate of the varying needs of students, families, and teachers when planning classroom activities. Additionally, Sarah is the friend I turn to for advice when I want honest, insightful feedback. She is an excellent listener, rational, and well-reasoned problem solver.
Sarah’s strong leadership, and critical thinking skills, coupled with her approachable nature, make her an excellent candidate. Bedford is fortunate to have a candidate such as Sarah who is committed to academic excellence, equity, and inclusion in our public schools.
The opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are those of the writer, not The Bedford Citizen.
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