HESSA: Pick our candidates

Friday, March 5, 2010

To the Editor:

On March 9 Hollis voters are asked to write in the name of Rosemary Mezzocchi for the Hollis School Board seat and, voters from Hollis and Brookline are encouraged to re-elect Mr. Steven Simons and Dr. James O’Shea to the Hollis Brookline Cooperative School Board.

Rosemary has resided in Hollis for 30 years and for 29 years was a math teacher within SAU 41. Her children also attended Hollis schools. I’ve personally worked alongside Rosemary for the past 20 years and, without question, support her candidacy. She is compassionate about the education of the students and will serve the community well. Although she retired from Hollis/Brookline Middle School this past year she remains active at the middle school as advisor to the Mathcounts team which recently finished first in the regional competition. Over the years, the team has consistently placed at the top due to her guidance. In addition, she has been adviser to students participating in the Johns Hopkins Talent Search program. Rosemary has been extensively involved in the Hollis and Hollis Brookline Cooperative communities assuring that students’ needs are met. With her mathematical skills, knowledge and experience in the community, as well as her knowledge of district procedures, she will be an asset to the school board. Rosemary understands the issues and is open to honest discussions as to the future of our students.

Mr. Simons has been involved in our schools for countless years and works hard to see that students receive the best education possible. He was a key player during the renovation of the middle school and construction of the high school overseeing architectural plans, ensuring work was done on time. Steve knows our schools. Dr. O’Shea has been an active participant on the school board as well as a member of the Board’s negotiations team. This past collective bargaining session Dr. O’Shea represented the taxpayers with a true understanding of these tough financial times. His compassion for all parties is sincere and both negotiating teams were able to reach an agreement well before the December break.

Steve and James will continue to work hard for the Hollis and Brookline residents.

As president of HESSA, I encourage your vote March 9 to re-elect Mr. Steven Simons and Dr. James O’Shea to the Hollis Brookline Cooperative School Board and to write in Rosemary Mezzocchi for Hollis School Board.

Thank you!

PENNY ARSENAULT

President

Hollis Education Support Staff Association