To the editor:
My name is Bit Coppola, and I am writing a letter in support of Kate Schmeckpepper for School Committee.
I first met Kate in a mommy and me class at Marblehead Parenting about 8 years ago. We have children about the same age (I have three and she has four!), and I was always impressed with her demeanor: calm, sweet, friendly, and personable. But mostly, just from talking with her, I noticed how smart and articulate she is.
As our kids grew older and started to attend school together (at the former Bell School), we continued the parenting groups for our younger kids, and it was Kate who explained to me, a newbie parent to public school, the politics of the Superintendent and the School Committee; I had no idea. It was also this year that the new Brown School was on the docket, and I leaned into her vast knowledge and understanding of the process; Kate has an amazing way to explain complexities in a very digestible manner, especially for someone who, at the time, had no idea what was at stake. She told me about the Vote Yes for MHD Kids campaign, and I jumped on board to help immediately.
Since then, I have sat with her or debriefed with her in several School Committee meetings, and she always comes out with a clear head and reasonable ideas on how to improve issues with policy, governance, or communication. Basically, if I have a question, I ask Kate. And one of the things that impresses me the most, she is able to answer questions or approach an issue based on reason, logic, and la,w and not emotion alone. After chatting with her, you can see she is passionate about our schools, but also rational in her thinking. I’ve said it before, she’s just really smart and incredibly thoughtful with her answers and points of view.
For years, I have been volunteering on the Brown School PTO with Kate, but now it’s time for her to step out of that circle and bring her platform and ideas of good governance to the whole school system. I’ve bugged her for years to run for a spot, and she would never say no, but instead would flash me a little smile and say “maybe”. I couldn’t have messaged her fast enough when I saw her name running for the School Committee. We’ve had too many tumultuous years, and it’s time we deserve some steady calm. Kate is the perfect candidate to help our schools flourish.
Bit Coppola
30 Beverly Ave
