Background | Guiding Principles | Endorsement Policy | Board of Directors | School Liaisons

Introduction and Background

Over the past twenty years, mechanisms for supporting public schools has decentralized, shifting more and more decision making to the general public. With Proposition 2 1/2, passed in 1980, towns can raise property taxes no more than 2 1/2% without the approval of the voters. This means that an active, informed public, involved in resource decision-making, is more important than ever before.

Recognizing that it is impossible for every citizen to become fully informed on every issue, Citizens for Needham Schools was created in 2002 to provide accurate, timely, and relevant information - easily accessible - to help Needham voters understand school-related issues and make informed choices.

In 2007, CNS applied for 501(c)(4) status with the IRS.

Guiding Principles

• CNS should stay in front of the issues, providing guidance and advice to elected boards and commissions about potential overrides or other resource issues.
• It is critical that CNS maintain a reputation of professionalism and accuracy in all information and activities.
• To be an effective organization, CNS must remain fluid and dynamic, able to respond to issues and needs quickly.
• CNS will maintain the basic structures necessary for effective override or other voter campaigns-e.g. database, website, preparation of literature and data.
• CNS will support and advise override campaigns for school-related issues as appropriate.
• An ideal Board of Directors includes people with a variety of skills, affiliations, and knowledge. Skills include; strategic planning, marketing, database management, website development, technical writing, public relations writing, volunteer coordination, finance/ bookkeeping and more. Affiliations include a PTC President, former override chairs, and more. Knowledge includes school construction, school administration, school curriculum, politics, law, and more.
• Expediency is important to the effectiveness of CNS; when possible decisions and positions will be adopted at a meeting of the Board of Directors. When issues of expediency outweigh the needs for full participation, the decision maker will make every effort to consult with the Board by email.

Citizens for Needham Schools Candidate Endorsement Policy

The primary mission of Citizens for Needham Schools (CNS) is community education on funding and policy issues pertaining to the Needham Public Schools. Hence, CNS will strive to provide voters with accurate and detailed information on candidates running for state and local office, with a focus on each candidate's position on education-related issues.

It is CNS policy not to endorse candidates for public office. CNS committee members are at liberty, however, to endorse candidates independently.

When CNS collects information from candidates for voter education purposes, CNS may add editorial comments to clarify candidate claims or statements that CNS deems to be deceptive or misleading, or that require further explanation.

When a CNS committee member is running for public office, CNS will make voters aware of said member's candidacy, and will highlight how the candidate has contributed to CNS. Committee members may endorse their colleague's candidacy as individuals, but CNS will abide by its non-endorsement policy.

Board of Directors

Caroline Sabin, Co-President
Jenny Solomon, Co-President
Amy Winslow, Clerk
Janet Desaulniers, Treasurer
Sarah Keselman
Susan Neckes
Alison Reiser
Anne Weinstein

CNS School Liaisons

• Broadmeadow — Sarah Keselman
• Eliot — Alison Reiser, Caroline Sabin, Amy Winslow,
• Hillside — Kim Marie Nicols, Anne Weinstein
• Mitchell — Janet Desaulniers
• Newman — Jenny Solomon
• High Rock — Caroline Sabin
• Pollard — Susan Neckes, Caroline Sabin, Anne Weinstein
• High School — Susan Neckes

In addition, we are grateful for the support of all of our volunteers. Special thanks go to Pamela Rosin for maintaining our website and to Michael Greis and Cliff Hayden for helping us with our database.

Sign up to receive the CNS email newsletter, with updates on school funding, capital improvements and other important issues relating to the public schools.

CNS newsletters are sent about once a month, sometimes less often (for example, during the summer) and sometimes more often (for example, around budget time, or when a major activity is underway). Your email address will be used for CNS purposes only. When ballot questions arise for the schools, CNS may donate its mailing list to a ballot question committee; otherwise, your address will not be shared with any other organization.