I am writing in support of Ellen Whelan-Wuest for the Cornwall seat on the Addison Central School board. I’ve known Ellen for more than 20 years — she’s nothing less than a force for good. Always willing to engage on the most complex of issues, she does so in a way that simultaneously demonstrates her deep knowledge and thoughtfulness while listening to anyone with a different opinion in an understanding and respectful way.

Stepping up to join the ACSD board is no small task for the multitude of challenging, complex issues facing our school district. I have every bit of confidence that Ellen’s care for her broader community, her intelligence, and her track record of taking action individually and collaboratively to effectuate change where it’s most needed together will be the asset our ACSD board needs.

Ellen is uniquely suited to permanently join the board (she has already been selected by the board members to temporarily fill Peter Conlon’s vacated seat). As our district grapples with issues around equity, it is imperative that ACSD board leadership has a deep understanding of what equity means for schools and the greater community. Ellen’s career in criminal justice reform, coupled with her personal endeavors to help solve the childcare crisis in our community, give her a valuable perspective to bring to the school board. Ellen is not just a well-meaning citizen of Addison County, but a true resource to support our community in considering difficult issues in a thoughtful and inclusive way.

If elected, I have no doubt that Ellen will bring her knowledge of using data — while also engaging and taking into account respective community needs — to make informed decisions to the challenges we face around our fiscal future as well as consolidation of schools. Simply put, Ellen has proven that she brings about positive changes in our community and we would be most fortunate to have her voice as the Cornwall representative on the school board.

Nick Benjamin

Middlebury