to B-R School Committee
January 24, 2007
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Joseph Gillis Jr.
You can do something!
It was nearly three years ago that I was elected to represent the two communities of Bridgewater and Raynham, on the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School Committee.
My slim margin of victory, and an early rocky relationship with the school administration and school committee presented a number of challenges in those first months. Over time, many decided to judge me by my words and actions rather than hearsay.
This elected role has been a growing process for me. Once in office, I worked to understand the details of the B-R School System and became involved with other state-wide school groups. I now serve on a number of sub-Committees for the District, and have earned the trust of the Committee as evidenced by my selection to represent the School Board as one of the two Town Liaisons – meeting with various boards and speaking at Town Meetings. I like to think that I have learned by listening and observing, including many of the leaders of our two communities, and I would like to mention a few.
In Raynham, Town Moderator Bill Tripp, outgoing Selectman Raymond Platt, and two School Board members I currently serve with – Stephen Donohue and Gordon Luciano. From Bridgewater, Ken Mahtesian and his many efforts, Selectmen Stan Kravitz and Herb Lemon, the Chair of this Board Donald Delutis, and State Representative David Flynn.
Republican or Democrat, supporters or possible challengers, I named those individuals so that in my own way, I could thank them for what they have brought to our communities. While I do not always agree with them, and for some it may seem that I always disagree, I have learned from their words, actions and efforts.
The next three years for the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School Committee should be a trying but exciting time. A new school will be opening while another closes, there are the annual concerns about budgets and funding, and there are the new educational and financial opportunities to explore.
It is in this last area – exploring new educational and financial opportunities – that I would like to concentrate my efforts for the next three years. As such, I hereby announce my candidacy for re-election to the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School Committee.
Over the past few years, I have been able to demonstrate to the other members of the B-R School Committee and Administration my dedication to the elected position – my attention to detail, focus, and determination. We have a good working group of individuals committed to the tasks before us. I therefore ask for your support and vote to allow me to continue my work on your behalf for the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School Committee.
