I will be supporting Ron Makleff and Jess Venable-Novak in the upcoming ACSD Board election.

I was in the room a few weeks ago when local residents showed up to a Board meeting to voice our opposition to a possible book ban proposed by some local residents. Jess was one of the community members who spoke most eloquently on this topic, presenting a thoughtful, community-oriented message of unity and support rather than division in our schools. It was a model of how to stand up for all kids in the district and I imagine they will bring that kind of bold and compassionate leadership to the Board.

I have known Ron since he moved to the area years ago. As an educator and parent of a young child, I know he cares deeply about all the schools in this district. Ron has voiced his opposition to the Governor’s plan to remove local control from our schools and hand it over to mega-districts. More than ever, we need voices like his to show up for kids and families to make sure we retain some voice in how our schools are structured if the plan moves forward.

I proudly display their join campaign sign in my front yard. Both Jess and Ron deserve your vote and I hope you join me in voting for them!

Michelle Leftheris

Middlebury