Please Vote Tuesday, May 20, at the High School, 7:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Dear Holliston,
It’s no secret that our schools are at a crossroads. Like all schools we endured Covid. Unlike other schools, in recent years we’ve also seen leadership changes and our own particular budget and morale challenges.
I’ve served on the School Committee for six years. I’m asking for your vote for a third term because I’m keenly aware that we are still a school district in transition, and I think it’s important to have an experienced voice on the board. Many veteran School Committee members have left in recent years; the job isn’t easy, but it is important and there’s a learning curve. I’ve served as Vice Chair for four years and Budget Chair for two years. I was part of the negotiation team on the 2024 teacher contract, and I have given frank and honest feedback during the superintendent evaluation process — all with an eye to strengthening our district, so all of our children receive an excellent education.
In my professional life, I’m a litigator and partner in a Boston law firm, and because of that I’m not afraid to ask difficult questions. In addition, I have years of experience mediating and resolving divisive issues. Our world is changing faster than ever and we need our schools to evolve in order to prepare students for the future. Improvements require tough decisions, and I’ve had plenty of practice with those in the past six years.
The most recent teachers’ contract, which I helped negotiate, represents several of those difficult decisions. It wasn’t easy to ask for an override, but it was the right thing to do and 67% of Town voters agreed. The override wasn’t a cure all, but it put us on a better path, one where teachers feel more valued, and the contract provided the flexibility to make much needed changes.
During my last term, we negotiated a new contract with paraprofessionals. Together, teachers and paras are the backbone of our schools. It is vital that we attract and retain the best educators in a highly competitive region.
Also in my role on School Committee, I have served as a liaison to the Holliston Athletic Boosters Association (HABA) and the Holliston Music & Arts Parents’ Association (HMAPA). I have seen first hand how crucial it is for our children to grow beyond academic pursuits, because a well-rounded education serves the whole child and better prepares them for life after high school.
I have served Holliston in a myriad of other ways during the 22 years that I have lived in town with my husband and five children (including a ’23 Holliston HS graduate, triplets in 12th grade and a 10th grader). My prior volunteer activities have included positions with Holliston Youth Soccer, Holliston Youth Lacrosse, St. Mary’s Parish, Girl Scouts and the Placentino School Council. I am grateful for the outstanding public education Holliston has provided my children, and I seek to pay it forward.
I have always advocated for community voice and transparency through public forums, office hours and newsletters, and I’ve worked hard to listen, learn and be responsive to community concerns. I pledge to remain open to your feedback and to always seek a variety of opinions as we forge an ever stronger district.
Holliston residents demand excellence from our schools and fiscal responsibility from our elected officials. I am passionate about supporting our schools to help all students grow academically and build resilience.
With your support on Tuesday, May 20th, I hope to continue to be an advocate for Holliston families.
Please vote Dawn Neborsky for Holliston School Committee — experience and demonstrated commitment to advancing academic excellence.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dawn Neborsky
