Text of Three Minute Video Introduction on NewTV
Hello, my name is Dan Proskauer and I am running for School Committee against incumbent Jonathan Yeo. While I am running for the Ward 4 seat, all School Committee races are at-large and everyone in Newton can vote for me.
I grew up and went to school in Newton. I attended the Hyde Elementary School, Brown Junior High School and Newton South. I experienced both breadth and depth in my time a student in Newton. After graduating from Newton South I attended Cornell University. I am an Engineer by training although over the course of my career I have moved into Executive Leadership. For eighteen years I worked in the semiconductor equipment industry. For the last two years I have worked in health care information technology – a very exciting place to be these days!
I have three children all attending Newton schools; two at Franklin in the first and fourth grades and one in eighth grade at Day Middle School who will be attending Newton North next year. For many years I was involved in my children’s preschool. I was on the board of directors for five years, the last four as Treasurer. Which brings me to my concerns, hopes and why I am running for School Committee.
As an Engineer I am concerned about the current state of Math and Science, especially at our Elementary and Middle Schools where we face challenges with the current curriculum. At the High School level we lag the state average for seniors considering a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or STEM. While this has received some attention, we do a lot more to improve our programs and participation.
As a lifelong Newton Resident I believe we need to recommit to the concept of Neighborhood Schools. Newton is a city of Villages and the Heart of each Village is its Elementary School. I lived in Newton Highlands when the Hyde School was closed and while the Highlands remains a vibrant community, it can Never be the same. Our current long range facilities plan ignores Neighborhood Schools in favor of five hundred student mega-schools.
As a Manager of Organizations I am painfully aware of the need for real Vision and Measurable Goals coming from our School Committee. No organization can move forward effectively and efficiently without concrete goals and objectives. These have been sorely lacking for some time, but with leadership from the School Committee we can chart a New Path.
As a Parent and Taxpayer I am acutely aware of the need for Long-term Financial Sustainability. Our schools cannot survive on a year-to-year budgeting approach that ignores capital maintenance and is forced to Cut up to Eighty positions each year just to close the gap between expense growth and revenue growth. We Must take on the challenge of establishing a cost structure that is Sustainable given Realistic revenue assumptions.
As a Citizen I am dedicated to improved educational experience for All our students, Advanced, Special Needs, or those in the middle. We must stop trading off one group against the other or one subject against the other. We must achieve excellence for All students across All subject areas including the Arts, Music and Physical Education as well as core academic subject areas.
If you agree that we need Change on the School Committee this fall, Please vote for Dan Proskauer on November third.
Thank you.
I grew up and went to school in Newton. I attended the Hyde Elementary School, Brown Junior High School and Newton South. I experienced both breadth and depth in my time a student in Newton. After graduating from Newton South I attended Cornell University. I am an Engineer by training although over the course of my career I have moved into Executive Leadership. For eighteen years I worked in the semiconductor equipment industry. For the last two years I have worked in health care information technology – a very exciting place to be these days!
I have three children all attending Newton schools; two at Franklin in the first and fourth grades and one in eighth grade at Day Middle School who will be attending Newton North next year. For many years I was involved in my children’s preschool. I was on the board of directors for five years, the last four as Treasurer. Which brings me to my concerns, hopes and why I am running for School Committee.
As an Engineer I am concerned about the current state of Math and Science, especially at our Elementary and Middle Schools where we face challenges with the current curriculum. At the High School level we lag the state average for seniors considering a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or STEM. While this has received some attention, we do a lot more to improve our programs and participation.
As a lifelong Newton Resident I believe we need to recommit to the concept of Neighborhood Schools. Newton is a city of Villages and the Heart of each Village is its Elementary School. I lived in Newton Highlands when the Hyde School was closed and while the Highlands remains a vibrant community, it can Never be the same. Our current long range facilities plan ignores Neighborhood Schools in favor of five hundred student mega-schools.
As a Manager of Organizations I am painfully aware of the need for real Vision and Measurable Goals coming from our School Committee. No organization can move forward effectively and efficiently without concrete goals and objectives. These have been sorely lacking for some time, but with leadership from the School Committee we can chart a New Path.
As a Parent and Taxpayer I am acutely aware of the need for Long-term Financial Sustainability. Our schools cannot survive on a year-to-year budgeting approach that ignores capital maintenance and is forced to Cut up to Eighty positions each year just to close the gap between expense growth and revenue growth. We Must take on the challenge of establishing a cost structure that is Sustainable given Realistic revenue assumptions.
As a Citizen I am dedicated to improved educational experience for All our students, Advanced, Special Needs, or those in the middle. We must stop trading off one group against the other or one subject against the other. We must achieve excellence for All students across All subject areas including the Arts, Music and Physical Education as well as core academic subject areas.
If you agree that we need Change on the School Committee this fall, Please vote for Dan Proskauer on November third.
Thank you.