As a climate activist, I think we should be asking each candidate for School Committee how they think our schools should plan long-term for the globally scorching temperatures that are soon to affect us. Data shows that hot classrooms, and poorly ventilated classrooms, lead to poor test scores, and therefore presumably poorer learning. So how are the School Committee candidates showing leadership in promoting readiness for climate disruption? How are they thinking about the future of schools in Northampton long-term? What are their goals for the future of our schools? What is their strategy to accomplish those changes?
Our schools should be at the forefront of preparing for climate change, both to set an example for our children and because our children spend so many hours in school each week.
We need to be asking hard questions now, if we want a School Committee that will be preparing our schools for the future we can all predict.
My intention is to vote for Mike Stein (Ward 4) and Meg Robbins (At-large) for having demonstrated leadership in planning for the schools we will need.
Adele Franks
Florence