Let’s take the next step <p>
Let’s stop wringing our hands and voting for the status quo.  While many dedicated and talented community members have served to create an excellent school system here in Hopkinton, there has undoubtedly been a growing financial problem with maintaining this excellence.   Parents and school officials talk at length about what they want to achieve and maintain, yet rarely do they discuss a solid financial plan to this end.  We talk about the importance of preparing our children for the unique challenges they will face as technology plays a greater and greater role in our lives, yet we continue to remain stuck in educational and financial models that are antiquated.  We continue to go along with federal and state mandates that are not only unfunded, but are not useful to the students in this district.  The school board says they must think outside the box, but in order to accomplish this we must bring in ideas and people with those specific talents to make it happen for our children.
We have three candidates who have such ability and experience, all who have promised to maintain the excellent education standards here in Hopkinton. Al Bloomquist is running for School Treasurer.  He has made the financial situation here in Hopkinton his priority and has already contributed to much needed change in the budget committee. Peter Yunich, at Sunday’s candidate forum, spoke about his knowledge of technological opportunities in education which can be incorporated at significant savings to the district.  Many people are familiar with Karen Irwin’s commitment to the town and her understanding of the legislative process.  Karen made a commitment to work on this area at Sunday’s forum.  Many people brought Hopkinton to where it is presently.  Let’s vote in the talent we need to take it to the next step.  Join me on March 11 in voting Al Bloomquist for School Treasurer, as well as Peter Yunich and Karen Irwin for School Board.

Diane Lachance
Hopkinton