is for

Anthony

RODRIGUEZ

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

1 YEAR TERM

Joanna Geller – In support of Anthony Rodriguez for School Committee

I am writing to endorse Anthony Rodriguez for the one-year term seat on the Dedham School Committee. I’m a current and future DPS parent, and I direct a university-based research and evaluation center focused on a variety of educational issues, ranging from summer learning, to science and math instruction, to family-school partnerships. My research, and that of many others, shows that education reform works best when leaders work together toward a common vision for our young people.

Anthony’s vision of education aligns with the vision of DPS leaders, educators, and much of the community, as well as what research tells us about how to create great schools. He has three main priorities: 1) healthy learning environments; 2) equity, inclusion, and mental health supports; and 3) a budget that provides teachers, staff, and paraprofessionals with needed resources. Anthony will bring fresh expertise and experiences to the school committee. He currently serves on the School Building Rehabilitation Committee, where he contributes his professional expertise as an architectural designer of public schools. His SBRC colleagues have praised his patience, collaboration, financial analysis skills, and creative problem-solving.

Our family has had a wonderful experience so far in Dedham Public Schools, thanks to the talented and caring teachers and staff. There is so much to be proud of. But, DPS is facing three urgent challenges, and Anthony is exactly the type of leader we need right now.

First, as in schools everywhere, students are still experiencing the effects of the pandemic. The percentage of students meeting expectations on the 2023 MCAS exam lags behind the pre-pandemic rates of 2019 for almost every grade and subject, sometimes by as much as 16-18 points. Further, from 2018 to 2021, more high school students reported on the Metrowest Adolescent Health Survey that they experienced anxiety, depression, and loneliness. A common myth I hear in my work is that focusing on equity, inclusion, belonging, and mental health detracts from academic rigor. In fact, research shows the opposite; students are much more likely to succeed academically when they feel they belong and have supportive relationships with educators and peers. Anthony’s commitment to these issues is rooted in his own experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He will advocate for every child and their right to feel safe and supported in school.

A second challenge is that Dedham will sadly need to cut at least 14 student-facing staff positions next year due to budgetary challenges. These cuts will come at a time when students need more adults – not fewer – to provide academic and socioemotional support. Anthony’s budgeting and creative problem-solving skills will be invaluable as the district determines how to best meet student needs and expand academic excellence through financially difficult times.

Last but not least, as any Dedham Times reader knows well by now, four of our six school buildings are in grossly substandard condition, hindering learning, safety, and health. At taxpayer expense, our aging school facilities require frequent repairs and high operational costs. These buildings also limit the services we can provide in-district to students with unique needs. Again at taxpayer expense, the district spends large amounts to transport these students to other districts, a major driver of our current budget shortfall. Anthony’s professional expertise in the school design process is exactly what our school committee needs right now. He has stated publicly that he supports building a standalone Oakdale school while urgently taking action on Riverdale, Greenlodge, and the high school.

School committee members serve as a bridge between the community and the district. During these challenging times, we need someone who can strengthen that bridge, someone who will synthesize different priorities toward a common vision, and someone who will make decisions with the humanity and potential of every single learner in mind.

Please join me in voting for Anthony Rodriguez for the one-year school committee term on Saturday, April 13th.

Joanna Geller, PhD