As an education advocate and close observer of the ACSD School Board (“the Board”) over the last few years, I would like to share why I will be voting for Ron Makleff, Jess Venable-Novak, and Brian Bauer for the Board on March 4. I would also like to explain why I think we should not re-elect Steve Orzech to the Board.

Let’s elect Ron Makleff! I have known Ron for several years and am confident that he has the thoughtfulness and openness that our community needs in its school board members. Ron is the parent of a rising kindergartner and has taught middle school, high school, and college students around the globe (including most recently at Middlebury College); he has a deep appreciation of the experiences of both students and educators. I am confident that Ron will ask good questions and contribute to the collaborative discussions necessary to serve the students and staff in our district.

Let’s elect Jess Venable-Novak! I must admit that I do not know Jess very well, but I was impressed by their quick and powerful reaction when our school district recently faced the threat of a book ban. Jess is a district parent and works for the ACLU; they have lived in Vermont for the past 10 years — quickly proving themselves to be both a strong advocate for equity and a strong force for community building. Jess understands what it takes to support our diverse community of students, staff, and families.

Let’s re-elect Brian Bauer! Brian has served on the Board for several years and was previously a teacher. I do not agree with Brian on many issues, but I think he deserves another term on the Board for at least two reasons: 1) he represents perspectives that are important to other community members, and 2) he acts with both kindness and integrity on the Board.

We should not re-elect Steve Orzech. Steve Orzech stands out in stark contrast to the three people mentioned above. Over the course of his current term on the Board, he has been called out repeatedly for unprofessional behavior — including (but not limited to) the following:

– Disparaging other school board members in public spaces

– Using inappropriate language in reference to other school board members and a former ACSD staff member in a public meeting

– Sharing confidential information about student achievement data with this newspaper

– Suggesting that other school board members are racist (with no basis) in a public meeting

– Co-opting the challenges of vulnerable students to advance his mission to close rural schools

– Grandstanding in public meetings at the expense of community members and other school board members

This behavior is not only unprofessional, but it is also distracting — often forcing the Board to divert time and energy away from important issues in order to address his behavior and its consequences.

Our school district is at a crossroads right now. This is a time that requires leaders able to work together effectively and in good faith. It requires openness and respect for others in order to get things done. I am confident that Ron, Jess and Brian will bring these qualities to the Board. Unfortunately, Steve Orzech has already proven that he is not up to the task.

Please join me in voting for Ron Makleff, Jess Venable-Novak and Brian Bauer for the ACSD School Board on March 4! Even if you don’t support the three candidates that I support, I hope you’ll think twice before re-electing Steve Orzech.

(In full disclosure, I do not know enough about the other Middlebury candidates for the ACSD School Board to render an assessment about them at this time.)

Mary Slosar

Weybridge