A flurry of activity followed the Town Elections, as Dan Alfred resigned from the Finance Committee to assume his place as newly elected member of the School Committee.  Only the week prior, the Holliston Federation of Teachers (HFT) reported a vote of no confidence in the Superintendent.  During its June 1 meeting, the School Committee voted to appoint Alfred its new Chair.

Yet Alfred was calm and collected as he spoke to us about his changeover.  When he learned two experienced members of the School Committee were departing, Alfred considered his finance skills and knowledge of town government would make him a good fit for one of the Committee openings. 

The first year on board he anticipates absorbing lots of information.  He aims to increase inter-school communication as well as develop clear communication lines with the Holliston Teachers’ Federation, the School Committee and the larger community.  He is well aware that the school budget comprises 57% of the total town budget so communicating with its taxpayers is very important for their support.  

Alfred clearly articulated his position on a new high school facility.  He definitely supports efforts toward this goal.  The process would begin with a feasibility study—should the school’s Statement of Interest be accepted by the MA School Building Authority (MSBA) this year.  This year’s application was the HPS’s 5th.  The parent of two daughters, he has hopes that at least the youngest, now 9, will attend a new Holliston High School, and perhaps his 12-year-old will spend some time there as well.  Alfred is aware that the prospect is very expensive, but he also believes “good schools are beneficial to property values.” 

“The State needs to put more money into funding schools,” said Alfred.  Whereas the MSBA allots approximately 40% to suburban towns for school building, Alfred has witnessed the rising costs of construction and materials without a like rise in the MSBA’s support.  Alfred mused that perhaps the Millionaires’ Tax would provide more funding. 

In response to the HFT letter of no confidence, Alfred released “A Message from the Holliston School Committee” only days after being elected.  The 4-point response was shared with the public through its website and the Holliston Reporter: https://hollistonreporter.com/2023/06/a-message-from-the-holliston-school-committee/

It included a Community Forum to answer community questions, the offer of a mediator, the hiring of a mentor to the Superintendent, and a list of answers to frequently asked questions of community members.

With the Internet the primary means of disseminating information, “access can be challenging for some,” said Alfred.  He hopes to increase the quantity of information on the School Committee’s website.  “Facebook is a great tool,” said Alfred, “but it is also a source of misinformation.  The problem is to get the information out there, and it doesn’t reach everybody.  We have Facebook and the Holliston Reporter, and the town’s BlackBoard Connect, but it’s difficult to get the information out.”  We have no doubt Alfred is up for the challenge.

Publishers’ Note: Since speaking with Dan, the Holliston Public Schools has released its Summer Newsletter which can now be found on the Town website -> https://www.townofholliston.us/home/news/summer-2023-school-newsletter