Patty Nolan For School Committee

Did you know?
Patty was THE most active candidate in the superintendent search, which yielded the best pool in our history. The only member to publicly declare her full support for Dr. Jeff Young from Newton before the vote, she never wavered. As his strongest supporter, she took political heat for maintaining that we needed an inspiring leader from the outside with a depth of experience in high performing, well-managed districts.

Thanks for taking the time to research my candidacy! Below is a letter to all Cambridge voters. To watch a video statement on why you should give me your # 1 vote, go to: www.cctvcambridge.org/node/26208

For more information on how I approach the job, what I have done, what I plan to do, visit the other pages on this site, especially Why Patty # 1. I try to keep the Writings/News page updated with any new information. And you can always contact me anytime with questions, offers to help, suggestions, etc.

Thanks!
Patty

Dear Cambridge Voter:
YES, I am running in 2009! I love working for you, Cambridge residents! * I am thrilled to be on School Committee, and want to continue serving you. Please vote # 1 for Patty Nolan on November 3.

I have been working very hard and have been making a positive contribution to our policy discussions, our district's momentum, and our city's schools. As I pledged, I have focused unwaveringly on our common goal: a school district that is the best in the state.

My ability to listen, my insistence on openness and transparency, my work to support effective programs, my giving voice to those with concerns, and my willingness to take the job of School Committee member very seriously have proven valuable as my colleagues and I work together. My professional experience working with people from all walks of life, not caring as much about getting credit as about getting something done, and deep belief in our potential as a school district also contributed to my success. My management training has played an important role on the School Committee, adding to the mix of skills around the table.

I have accomplished a lot, but also recognize that success is a team effort. I never forget that voters put me in office, expecting a lot. And that it is through working with my colleagues and the administration that the most progress can be made. Our district is on the move, and I want to keep it moving.

My impact includes:

more acceptance of the idea that Cambridge should be comparing itself to high achievement districts, not low income ones,
redirecting millions of surplus dollars into schools,
leading the way to making our district's policies, practices and planning more environmentally responsible,
comprehensive market research, which identified issues like teaching to the test, classroom behavior and uneven educational quality, as needing more attention.

I hope you have followed what I have been doing, like it, and will support me. I especially need everyone who supported me in the past to support me again. There have been several incumbents who lost, partly because voters figured they were bound to win again. PLEASE don't let that happen to me! With your help, I can keep up the positive momentum for continued improvement, and continue demanding the high level accountability that is so crucial to our district's success.

True to form, I remain an issues-based member and candidate. I have been working hard doing the job — providing analyses that contribute to a better understanding of the issue we face, and continually asking how we can better use our unbelievably high budget ($25,000 per student total).

I have not changed my tendency to go in-depth, and to make sure we have the right level of information about important issues. With your encouragement, I have proven that I could stay true to my principles and serve you well. As always, I welcome questions, comments, and critical responses.

With heartfelt hopes for a successful campaign,

Patty

Your # 1 School Committee candidate

* Did you know that you pay us more than any other School Board member in the state - maybe the country? I for one appreciate it, and don't hide it. I also know that you should demand a lot of us and hold us accountable for representing you.

Download Patty's 2009 most recent campaign literature which summarizes why she has earned your # 1 vote. (Get Acrobat Reader, free from Adobe.)