UMass student to bring 'unique outlook' to School Committee

Date: 3/28/2011

March 28, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

LONGMEADOW — The School Committee can expect to get some new blood come June.

Michael Clark will run unopposed as one of three people to submit paperwork for a three-year seat on the School Committee, along with incumbents John Fitzgerald and Gwen Burns.

Clark, a 21-year-old senior at the University of Massachusetts, said he will provide a unique outlook to the committee, one it has been lacking in the past.

"I feel my membership will be an asset," he said. "I've noticed a lack in the perspective I can bring to the table, being a recent graduate of the Longmeadow school system."

Clark has served the town as the clerk of the Finance Committee and a member of the Longmeadow Educational Endowment Fund (LEEF) Grant Review Committee. He was defeated in his bid for a seat on the Select Board in 2010. All of these experiences, he said, will aid him in making a smooth transition into his new role.

"As the Finance Committee's liaison to the School Committee, I've had the opportunity to see the committee and follow along with the processes and see how the committee is run," Clark said. "Quite frankly, [running for Select Board] opened my eyes and compelled me to get involved. I wouldn't have been as active a member of the government without that experience.

"It afforded me a fantastic opportunity to grasp town government and pay attention to its ins and outs. It really has prepared me for this," he continued

Clark said his exposure to the School Committee through the Finance Committee has helped him become aware of opportunities for the school system that have been overlooked.

"There has to be greater investigation into revenue sources. There are a lot of grants that are passing us by," Clark said, adding that several school buildings would be well suited for energy-creating solar panels. "When it comes to seeking grants, we need a proactive superintendent and administrative team. We need to hold [Superintendent Marie Doyle] accountable."

Despite these shortcomings, Clark expressed pleasure with the job the School Committee has done recently and excitement to be a part of what he considers a largely proactive town entity.

"I think the School Committee has done a good job at looking at best practices and educational opportunities by stepping out of the district to get outside perspective," Clark said. "I think this year, especially, they have done a great job responding to the community's needs."

Clark cited the town's ability to find a funding source for the elementary school music program as a prime example of the committee's hard work.

"I think those kinds of opportunities illustrate the mentality of the School Committee and that is something I want to be a part of," Clark said.