All of us are formed by our contexts, and by countless experiences and relationships — for me, my grandparents, who raised me as a young child in Vienna, had a profound and lifelong impact on me. They were resistance fighters in the Austrian anti-fascist battles of 1934, escaped to the Soviet Union during the war, and returned in 1946. I like to think that their intelligence, kindness, humor, curiosity, and courage make me who I am, and nourish my work to do right by the most vulnerable among us.
I have a deep commitment to Northampton where my family and I have made our home, and I bring a lifetime of professional experience of service to children, families and communities. For the last 16 years I have led Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Head Start and Early Learning Programs, serving 400 children and their families annually, and overseeing 130 staff and a $12 million budget. Head Start is a federal program that provides early education and wrap around supports for the most vulnerable children, many of whom live in Northampton and then go on to our public schools. I understand the lifelong impact of early experiences, and the disproportionate risks faced by those who are poor, disabled, facing racial discrimination, and who have experienced adverse childhood experiences. To this end I work to strengthen the early childhood field through advocacy, systems building and community engagement. For an overview of my career and professional contributions, please visit my website www.electanatweisenfreund.com.
In December 2024 our local school committee member stepped down from her position, and the city sought someone for an interim appointment. In light of our national democratic defeat, I felt compelled to expand my work into my local community. My Ward 2 city councilor reached out to me and generously facilitated some introductions. Before submitting my application, I connected with several elected city officials, educators and constituents, seeking diverse perspectives, and became aware of the powerful feelings and the huge chasm in our city around school funding. At every step, including that evening in January 2025 when the City Council and School Committee selected me for the job in a decisive 14-2 vote, I promised that I would listen and learn, work hard on behalf of children, value relationships, and be always independent in my actions. As a member of the School Committee and budget and properties subcommittee over the last months, I believe I have done just that.
I have immersed myself in my role, and it has become clear to me that a vacuum of leadership and insufficient funding have created an educational crisis in our schools, and passionate rifts in our community. Our constituents (including children!) come to School Committee and City Council meetings month after month, speaking out clearly about their unmet needs. From where I sit, their courage and passion embody the strong heart of our community, a gift to our city. Many have mischaracterized this advocacy as “negativity” or “divisiveness.” This framing is an empathic failure and prevents the development of robust and collaborative educational and budgetary solutions.
While it is true that state and federal partners are not contributing enough, Northampton is a wealthy city with regular large budget surpluses and significant savings that can be used to meet our children’s needs. The mayor’s current budget goes against the superintendent’s recommendation, against the majority vote of the School Committee and against the votes of the City Council. Nonetheless, as per the city’s charter, on July 1, it went into effect by default. As a result, our crisis has been exacerbated and will continue to disproportionately impact the most vulnerable students. Unless enough of us can work and lead together to make change.
It is irrefutable that consistent and caring relationships are essential, and the main predictor of healthy development. Schools are the “container” for development and relationships, and serve as a critical protective factor, especially for our most vulnerable children. When we lead with intention, support the expert knowledge of all who work in our schools, and back up our care with sufficient funding, we have a formula for success. When we cut positions, we sever the relationships that are at the heart of it all.
If elected in November, I will continue my work to ensure that all our children receive an excellent education; that we recruit and retain the very best staff; that parents are engaged in partnership, and that our schools are places of joy and innovation. I am a proven leader, and I can help us forge a better path forward for our schools and our community.
Anat Weisenfreund represents Ward 2 on the Northampton School Committee and is a candidate for reelection.