I am writing to endorse Chris Kramer for Addison County School District Board. As a father of two young children attending school in our district, Chris is fully invested in the future of our schools, the success of our students, and the strength of our towns.

As a community, we face significant challenges, including the hiring of a new superintendent, staffing shortages, budgetary challenges, and addressing the post-pandemic needs of our students. Chris has the experience and dedication to tackle these challenges head-on. He will bring a fresh energy to the ACSD board, working to ensure that our schools continue to provide the highest quality education possible for all of our students.

I believe that Chris is the right candidate because he has the unusual ability to see the big picture, sift through endless data, formulate creative solutions, and bring people together to get things done. His work as co-chair of the Friends of Cornwall School group creating partnerships with parents, teachers, staff, the town selectboard, and businesses throughout the district to create a much-needed afterschool program for Cornwall’s elementary students is just one example of his ability to bring our community together around a common goal.

Furthermore, Chris is a tireless advocate for accountability, transparency and engagement, who is not afraid to speak up and take action when necessary, even when it is difficult. While he may question the status quo, Chris has a positive, collaborative approach to leadership, and a deep sense of fairness and the rare ability to challenge his own assumptions when faced with new information.

While I am buoyed by the large field of candidates competing to do such important work in an often thankless position, I urge my fellow community members to join me in voting for Chris Kramer for the ACSD board. With his passion, experience, and commitment to our children’s education, he will be an invaluable asset to our community and our schools.

Wendy Harlin

Ripton