Shinnick announces School Committee run

My name is Dave Shinnick, and I am running for School Committee in the May 23rd election. My wife, a former elementary school teacher, and I are parents of three young children, including a Taft kindergartener & preschooler. We are deeply invested in our district and passionate about the public education system in Uxbridge. I am reaching out to humbly request your vote and support.

I believe that a town's public schools are the heart of its community. Whether or not you have children in the district, own a home, or pay taxes, the happenings in our school district impact you, and I want to help make that impact as positive as possible. High-quality education and academics are critically important in preparing our children for life, and I am committed to ensuring that our district provides the best educational opportunities for all students.

This year, our district has made some positive improvements, including community outreach and expanding accessibility. I was personally excited to participate in feedback sessions and focus groups hosted by the administration. With nearly 30% of Uxbridge’s students qualifying as economically disadvantaged, it is encouraging to see us engage Project Bread to help identify ways to attain extra support. The piloting of the i-Ready program, which personalizes instruction for students, is a great step forward as it targets all students, including those above and below grade level.

Spartan Minds, focusing on mental health, is also an accomplishment to be proud of, especially due to modern social media and trends in adolescent mental well being.

To maintain momentum, we need to build on these positive steps and address some pressing issues. COVID-related learning loss has been a challenge faced by all districts, and we need to tackle it head-on. Prior to COVID, 53% of Uxbridge's 8th graders scored at least proficient on the MCAS assessment, but in 2022, that number dropped to only 31%. Whether it stems from academics, social emotional challenges, or has other root causes, we cannot afford to neglect this issue as it will worsen an already challenging situation. Performing well in handling this hardship will set us apart from other districts.

We also need to ensure that all students have the same opportunities, regardless of their needs, background, or learning styles. All of our students and staff deserve a safe learning environment, and I will work to ensure that our district is supportive of all students. Just as my wife has been actively involved in the Special Education Parent Advisory Council in town, I will work towards finding ways to support parents navigating the special education system.

Another important area of focus is our budget. We need to ensure that every dollar is used effectively and serves its best purpose. The budget process has improved year over year and we need to expand on that progress into next year. The budget and the District Improvement Plan should be closely aligned with clear strategies for investment. Updating and keeping the

Improvement Plan current should be a priority – it is currently two years old. Parents and taxpayers should know how it is funded and how we are progressing towards achieving it. If I am fortunate enough to earn your vote, I will be a responsible steward of the budget, knowing that the taxpayers of Uxbridge have entrusted the committee with their dollars.

Transparency, accountability, and communication are essential in all of these efforts. I am committed to being accessible and open to the community. Please visit my website at www. Dave4Uxbridge.com or reach out to me at ask@Dave4Uxbridge.com if you would like to learn more about my background or focus areas. I also urge you to remember to vote on May 23rd and participate in the town meeting on May 9th.

Lastly, I will work passionately to improve our district, not just because my own three children will be in the district for the next 15+ years, but because I believe that all of Uxbridge’s youth deserve a quality education.

Thank you for your consideration, and I humbly request your vote.

- David Shinnick Uxbridge