To the editor,
I enthusiastically support Sarah Fox for re-election to the Marblehead School Committee. For the past 6 years, Fox has been dedicated and an effective leader on the School Committee regarding concerns related to our schools. Her experience and knowledge give her the qualities needed to earn your vote. With 5 out of 6 of her children in the public school, Fox has skin in the game.
While five candidates are vying for just two open seats, some may argue that it’s time for new leadership due to recent challenges such as the illegal teacher strike and the adoption of a flag policy. However, during difficult moments, leadership matters most. We must ask: Who has the grit to lead with principle even when it’s not politically expedient? Who shows the discernment and strength to navigate complex issues with care and courage? Sarah Fox answers that call.
When school administrators requested a flag policy following the removal of both a BLM flag and an Israeli flag from Marblehead High School, Sarah supported the policy. She understood that a lack of clear guidelines could fuel further discord. After listening to legal counsel and community voices, she chose to do what was right, even in the face of criticism and negative publicity from a small but vocal group of residents.
After the Massachusetts Teacher’s Union coordinated a multi-town teacher’s strike between Marblehead, Beverly, and Gloucester and denying our students an education for weeks, Fox did not back down to negotiate a contract that was able meet the needs of teachers while being mindful of the Marblehead’s budget and impact to taxpayers.
When allegations of antisemitism arose in the school district, Fox listened to parents, students, and teachers, and took proactive measures to address their concerns. She voted to initiate an investigation into these allegations and helped establish an Anti-Discrimination Taskforce with a focus on antisemitism. She also attended a local screening of the documentary “October H8TE” which is about the explosion of antisemitism on college campuses following October 7.
On May 15, following the May 1 passage of Brookline’s proclamation which discouraged its teachers from using the MTA’s antisemitic curriculum, Fox voted in a 3-2 decision for Marblehead to follow suit, thereby reaffirming the district’s commitment to protecting all students from discriminatory curricular resources. Marblehead’s proclamation makes it only the second district in the state to pass such a statement. This proactive act earned recognition and praise from the ADL for the School Committee’s role as an ally to the Jewish community and its commitment to keeping harmful educational materials out of schools.
Fox is a leader with a proven track-record for facing challenges and making difficult decisions. All while being an empathetic listener and staying focused on what’s best for our school district. I hope you join me in voting for Sarah Fox on June 10.
Karen Tal-Makhluf
