Letter to the editor: Ripton supports school as potential closure looms

Is it inevitable that the Ripton Elementary School will close in the near future? Yes. Why? This is due to policy, maneuvering, and circumstance.

Thank you to all who voted for me for the ACSD Board.

An 11th-hour bid to preserve kindergarten and 1st-grade education at tiny Ripton Elementary School suffered a big setback when ACSD Superintendent Wendy Baker announced that not enough out-of-town families had accepted an invitation to join RES’s K/1 clas … (read more)

Addison Central School District voters on Tuesday decided a five-person race for three of Middlebury’s seven seats on the ACSD board, choosing Jess Venable-Novak, Ron Makleff and incumbent Steve Orzech to fill those three-year spots.

Buoyed by good news on projected education property tax rates, a majority of Addison County residents supported their local school budgets on Town Meeting Day.

The Independent sent four education-related questions to each of the three, first-time candidates competing next week in a five-person race for three Middlebury seats on the Addison Central School District board: Vance Bishop, Ron Makleff and Jess Venable … (read more)

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

I would like to strongly endorse Steve Orzech of Middlebury for the ACSD Board.

When it comes to the Town Meeting Day elections for the Addison Central School District board, experience counts. That is why I will cast one of my votes for Steve Orzech of Middlebury.

Our school district — and all those around the state — face a lot of challenges. Serving on the school board is an important and demanding job. ACSD school board candidates Jess Venable-Novak and Ron Makleff are rising to the occasion.

Steve Orzech has no agenda. He looks at the issues facing our district in an honest way and is not afraid to make tough, and sometimes unpopular choices.

I bring to your attention the names of candidates who I believe will serve us admirably: Jess Venable-Novak and Ron Makleff. These candidates offer a fresh perspective, dedication and a commitment to collaborate with the other School Board members in meet … (read more)

I first met Jess when our kids were babies at a Music Together class in Middlebury and since that day, I have seen Jess show up with an open mind, open heart and generous spirit in every subsequent context.

As an education advocate and close observer of the ACSD School Board, I’m voting for Ron Makleff, Jess Venable-Novak, and Brian Bauer on March 4. But one board member does not get my support.

I am supporting Jess Venable-Novak and Ron Makleff for ACSD School Board. I encourage you to join me. At this challenging time for our schools and communities, we need new voices and creative thinkers to advocate for our students and make sure they all fe … (read more)