I am writing to voice my support for Jess Venable-Novak and Ron Makleff for ACSD School Board.

I was born and raised here, attended public school in Middlebury, and returned several years ago to raise my own child. As someone with a lot of love for our community and as a mother, I’m excited that we have neighbors willing to commit their time and energy to advocate for our kids and their education.

Jess and Ron both have impressive experience in organizing, educating, and community building and I trust that they can successfully and transparently work on our behalf as we all navigate the changing landscape of public education. I know they share a lot of my own concerns about student achievement gaps, technology in the classroom, inclusion, safety, and the far-reaching implications of federal budget cuts on the quality of our kids’ education. As a working mom I know how disruptive it can be not to have access to reliable care, and their commitment to exploring afternoon care options is hugely important to me as well.

But more than that, I know Jess and Ron to be kind, loving human beings who genuinely care about what’s best for our community and our kids. I want school to be a place where my daughter is excited to go, where she knows she is safe and welcome, and where she can be fully herself, and I want the leaders making decisions for her to lead with kindness above all.

I’m excited to cast my vote for Jess and Ron on March 4 and hope you’ll do the same!

Grady Ross

Middlebury