Improving Early and Elementary Education

My Name is Julie Steinberg and I am running for the Westfield Board of Education, election April 16th.

As a parent, the point of entry into your child’s educational experience can be both exhilarating and terrifying. The excitement of the first day of school combined with the bittersweet beginnings of letting them go is one that is behind every first day of school photo.

Here in Westfield we are blessed with an exceptionally strong school system that makes the early childhood education experience not only possible, but preferable. It is why many new homeowners gravitate toward Westfield and stay, as we did when our kids entered Lincoln and Jefferson Schools.

That being said, there are some things we can do better. If elected I promise to focus on these key areas that impact early and elementary education in our district: Full day kindergarten: I support a full day Kindergarten. It is good for our kids, our parents, and our Town. The current BOE has commissioned a strategic plan, and continues to gather information to support many initiatives, including a full day Kindergarten. As discussed at the most recent BOE budget meeting (yes, I attend every year), this plan will require operational, facilities, and budget changes all of which should be included a 2025 referendum. If elected, I will work to make sure that the plan is financially sound, operationally effective, and includes a full day Kindergarten.

Before and After Care: I would like to see these programs expanded and supplemented. These programs not only benefit the kids but provide parents with a chance to get to work on time or get their other kids to different schools and programs. If elected, I would commit to advocating for growth for this critical function.

In Class Support: In Class Support, also known as “ICS”, is an inclusion based method that is taught by two teachers, both Gen Ed and Special Ed. Classes are comprised of kids with and without IEP’s. It allows for a least restrictive environment for kids and keeps pace with the general curriculum while providing support to those who may need it. While this dual taught ICS model is available at Lincoln School, as everyone who vies for the annual preschool lottery well knows, the two middle schools and WHS, it is not offered at the Westfield elementary school levels. This creates a disconnect in a student’s larger educational experience with classroom models changing at every level. I believe we should aim to provide consistent and robust models of inclusive education for these students. If elected, I promise to push for true inclusion in our classrooms and close these gaps.

Playgrounds: We are blessed with wonderful playgrounds but have several challenges that can and should be addressed. First, the school playgrounds themselves are relatively small and often inaccessible to kids with disabilities. This is compounded by the state of our fields, which when wet become unusable and limit the usable space for students and staff during recess, gym, before/aftercare, and even morning/afternoon dismissals.

Again, I am glad that the 2024 budget referendum includes new grounds resources to help address this challenge. I will look closely at the strategic plan and promise to advocate to have this included in the 2025 referendum. I would also advocate to maximize federal funds when it comes to our playgrounds, and try to diminish the burden of fundraising from the amazing and tireless parents and PTOs who work so hard just so their kids can have a safe place to play.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to earning your vote on April 16th.

Julie Steinberg
Westfield