Here is a column I wrote for the North Avenue News
October 26, 2007: 

First, I would like to extend my thanks to editors Cliff and Ellen Cooper for their support of our schools, and for the great opportunity we have through the North Avenue News to let Burlingtonians know what’s going on at the School Board.  And thanks for inviting me to contribute.  It may seem presumptuous for a Commissioner from all the way down in the South End to write for the North Avenue News, but really it is a good reminder that as Board members we represent all the children of this city, and not just those who live in our Ward.  The decisions we make have to balance the needs of kids in Appletree Point and Northgate, King Street, North Street, and South Cove.

Saying that we represent and support every child is easier than actually accomplishing that goal.  The beauty of public education is that we educate every child who lives within the boundaries of our city – from the “high fliers” who ace every test and need extra challenges, to those who will need life-long care.  We do that in an environment of funding cuts, expensive mandates, wage and benefit increases, strong advocacy from interest groups, and federal and state legislation that isn’t always helpful. School Board politics get heated because so much is at stake – the future of our children and city. 

I believe we are getting close to making some decisions that will benefit every child in our district.  Socio-economic, racial, and cultural integration teaches students from an early age that the world is a diverse place and that we a have a lot to learn from each other.  If “magnet” schools help us achieve district-wide integration through choice rather than mandate, and provide unique and exciting learning opportunities that meet the needs of more students and families, we certainly will have moved closer to our goal of representing, and supporting, every Burlington child.

Amy Werbel
Ward 5 School Commissioner