What a pleasure to end a busy Friday with a visit to the International Night Celebration at the Florida Ruffin Ridley Elementary School in Coolidge Corner! The weather was beautiful and the event was held outdoors. Several dozen tables were arranged in a circle and throngs of students, parents, grandparents, and candidates (no surprise!) were mingling together and enjoying the international cuisine.
Early Voting Canvassing (May 3, 2024)
As early voting ended, our campaign was outside Town Hall this morning greeting potential voters out at the sidewalk, handing them campaign literature, answering questions, and thanking them for their support when they finished voting inside the building. It was exciting to interact with young dads and moms, parents of BHS students, and older Town residents who were taking the opportunity to vote early.
Brookline for Racial Justice and Equity (May 3, 2024)
The Brookline for Racial Justice and Equity organization asked each of the School Committee candidates to answer a 5-part questionnaire as part of its 6th Annual Racial Justice Candidate Forum. The questions and answers that Jesse provided are available here.
Tv on Tv - Tommy Vitolo Interviews Jesse Hefter (April 28, 2024)
Click the image above to listen to the presentation.
Tommy Vitolo closes out the Candidate Series with Dr. Jesse Hefter, candidate for the Brookline School Committee. Jesse's varied career has given him experience working with all kinds of people. If elected, he hopes to bring his professional career skills to bear on projects both big and small. Jesse and Tommy discuss current issues facing PSB including academic excellence, special education, school culture, communication, and fiscal responsibility. As part of school culture, Jesse wants to ensure that the Committee continues towards creating, approving, and implementing a policy on hate speech. Jesse also talks about his experience campaigning and how the best part has been meeting new people in all corners of Brookline.
Brookline Parents Organization Candidate's Forum (April 24, 2024)
The Brookline Parents Organization held a School Committee Forum that allowed Jesse and the other School Committee candidates to answer questions on topics including: (1) how the District can better inform, engage, and hear from a broader group of stakeholders, (2) how to evaluate and interact with the Superintendent including budget processes and priorities, (3) The role of the School Committee in formulating a response to an increase in antisemitism in PSB, managing ideologically and politically-motivated content in schools, (4) approaches to handling the removal of K-5 World Language due to budget priorities, (5) ensuring that curriculum choices reflect evidence-based programs that demonstrate great outcomes for students, and (6) issues around deleveling in the 9th grade and how the School Committee plays its role in communication and transparency vis-a-vis the community.
Brookline CAN/LWV Candidate's Forum (April 17, 2024)
Click the PLAY button (triangle symbol above) to listen to the presentation.
The Brookline Community Aging Network (CAN) and the League of Women Voters sponsored a Forum for the School Committee and Select Board candidates at the Brookline Senior Center. The School Committee candidates were invited to introduce themselves and answer a single question:
"Brookline residents have just had a 10% property tax increase and more overrides are likely on the way. These costs - borne by homeowners directly or passed on as rent hikes - disproportionally impact older adults living on largely fixed budgets. The current school budget represents a higher percentage of the Town's total budget than all the other departments put together. How will you balance Brookline's efforts to maintain high quality schools with a community that is affordable, provides excellent services in other areas, and does not rely on repeated overrides?"
Jesse's answer centered on using the findings and recommendations of the Brookline Fiscal Advisory Committee (BFAC, see the Committee's Final Report) to seek to understand every aspect of the School budget, not only how much of the Town allocation is being spent but how well those funds are being used (and how the results map to positive student outcomes) throughout the year.
Biking for Brookline (April 14, 2024)
Jesse was invited to address the Biking for Brookline group before their 21-mile adventure this morning. After a brief summary about why I am running for School Committee, I summarized my positions on four key areas related to biking and schools. My answers to the Questionnaire that the group sent to me subsequent to this visit can be reviewed in this document.
Safe Routes to Schools
Getting more kids to bike to school
Bike parking at the schools
Role of SC in promoting bicycling
SEPAC Candidate Forum (April 11, 2024)
It was a privilege to meet with the SEPAC organization and explain our campaign especially in terms of special needs education, support services, and inclusivity. We had an opportunity during Q&A to address our definition of equity education, what a "moderate" position means in teamwork and collaboration on the School Committee, and some thoughts around how to improve our District's approach to understanding and reacting to the differing needs of our student population.
The Brook House Hosts the Candidates (April 10, 2024)
The Brook House community, located in Brookline Village, hosted candidates for Select Board, School Committee, Housing Authority, and Precinct 4 Town Meeting Members for a forum. The goal was to hear from the candidates and, more importantly, allow the participants to ask questions. About 35 residents attended the session. While the candidates shared their "stump" speeches, three questions from the audience sparked a more spirited discussion. The questions included how the Town is dealing with the deteriorating street infrastructure, including ubiquitous potholes, how the prevalence of marijuana and other substances affects our children, and, finally, challenging each candidate to enunciate one positon that sets them apart from their competitors. For Jesse's campaign, this meant taking a more outspoken stance in meeting antisemitism in PSB head-on.
Feet First Neighborhood Association Meeting (April 9, 2024)
We were invited to participate in a discussion with a local neighboorhood group, Feet First, that serves as a meeting place for seniors. I was asked to tell a bit about myself and why I am running for School Committee. I remarked to the group that campaigning is allowing me the privilege of meeting so many wonderful and friendly people in Brookline! There were some good questions about budget and absenteeism. The members of of the group were very complimentary of candidates taking on the effort of running for Town-wide office. That was certainly appreciated.
Brookline Native Awarded for Role in Holocaust Education (April 7, 2024)
The New England Friends March of the Living organization honored local native Janet Stein Calm, President of the American Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors. She received the Stephan Ross Exellence in Holocaust Education Award named for Mr. Ross who founded the New England Holocaust Memorial in downtown Boston. Janet grew up attending PSB and has devoted much of her life to honoring survivors, learning their histories, and ensuring that their eye-witness testimonies are preserved and shared with newer generations. Jesse and Janet are personal friends and have discussed the possiblity of bringing Janet into PSB as part of Holocaust education in the high school Social Studies curriculum. Of course, after the award ceremony, there was some time for canvassing the attendees from Brookline!
Candidates Breakfast (April 7, 2024)
The Young Israel and 4 other synagogue/minyanim in Brookline sponsored the Stanley Rabinowitz Memorial Candidates Breakfast to honor Stanley, a long time Town volunteer and elected official. Over 100 people attended the event to hear from four of the five Select Board candidates and the four School Committee candidates. The three questions the School Committee candidates were asked were (1) What would we do to manage incidences of hate speech in PSB, especially after the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel? (2) What might be done to provide more financial stability to the School budget and its programs? and (3) What specific actions might be taken to improve literacy outcomes for early (K-3) readers? Our campaign had three GREAT answers to these questions and they are available here. Below are some snapshots from the event.
Hayes School International Night (April 5, 2024)
Each Spring, the Hayes PTO presents "International Night" showcasing the cultural diversity of the Hayes School community. This year, there were thirty-three (33) countries and areas represented filling up the gymnasium from one end to the other. The rich cultures, dress, and foods (lots of the latter) were on display on tables along with country flags and tons of people. The energy was palpaple, the excitement was infectious, and the students looked they were having a fantastic time. I was able to meet and greet tons of parents and neighbors and get the word out about our campaign. In particular, I was able to get introductions to parents from neighborhoods in South Brookline and even a request for a house meeting in one of those neighborhoods - looking forward to it!
Neighborhood Forum (April 3, 2024)
The GPNA (Greater Point Neighborhood Association) and HSHA (High Street Hill Association) held a neighborhood discussion with Select Board and School Committee candidates at the Lincoln School. About 50 residents listened intently to answers from the candidates to a set of carefully, curated questions, first to the SB candidates and then to the SC candidates. It was awesome to present to a group of engaged residents!
Public Comment: Pierce Project Geothermal System (April 2, 2024)
To: Conservation Commission, Park and Recreation Commission, and Select Board
Hi. My name is Dr. Jesse Hefter, and I am a Town Meeting Member from Precinct 14. I am also a candidate for a seat on the School Committee in the upcoming election. I am proud to have two grandchildren in the Roland Hayes School.
I speak tonight to urge the Park and Recreation Commission, the Conservation Commission, and the Select Board to approve the construction and installation of geothermal wells below the park adjacent to the existing Pierce School to provide heating and cooling for the new school. Approval of this request is critical to keep the project moving forward. There are 650 families, teachers, and school staff waiting to move into a new building. Any delays may increase the project cost and needlessly frustrate the school community.
One benefit of a geothermal system is improved indoor air quality; there are no fumes or emitted gases. Consequently, the school building will be a healthier environment for our students and staff.
I plan to continue to be involved in this Project as I have been for the last several months. The work must move forward without delay so that we stay on track financially, practically, and strategically. Thank you.
Brookline PAX (March 26, 2024)
Brookline PAX enthusiastically endorsed our campaign by a super-majority vote. In endorsing Jesse, the organization recognized his "much needed set of skills and experience" and looked forwards to his "building bridges, not walls. In collaboration with incumbent School Committee members, (he) will provide student/classroom focus, fiscal discipline, and the unique experience of a grandparent to the School Committee."
Spring Social (March 24, 2024)
State Representative Tommy Vitolo invited all Town-wide candidates to present a short talk at his Spring Social held at the Veterans Post in Brookline. It was exciting to see so many folks from Town Meeting, state candidate hopefuls, and even a brief presentation from US Congressman Jake Auchincloss. Below are my remarks...
Celebration of Women (March 20, 2024)
The Brookline Commission for Women held its 2024 award ceremony for Brookline Women of the Year at the Brookline Main Library building. What an inspiring evening of powerful presentations and uplifting stories. Two educational professionals from the Public Schools of Brookline were honored along with a group of six women responsible for bringing Brookline.News to life.
Campaign Kickoff! (March 17, 2024)
Over 75 people came together to celebrate the kickoff of our campaign! Below is the video of my remarks. A lot of lawn signs were taken and more endorsements came in. The "vibe" was so positive and uplifting. Over the next several weeks, we have a lot of work to do to get the word out to Brookline voters. Together, we will!
Cheryl Ann's Bakery Reopens! (March 15, 2024)
How wonderful that we have the bakery back in business at Putterham Circle. Meeting potential voters outside was great - they could immediately put the campaign literature in their bakery shopping bags!
Lawn Signs! (March 14, 2024)
Lawn sign are starting to pop-up all over Town - we are "pumped"!
Super Tuesday At the Polls (March 5, 2024)
Ruth Kaplan and I took the opportunity of primary polling day to hang out outside our Precinct polling station, meet-and-greet voters, and hand out campaign literature. It was wonderful to engage with folks and to make more campaign contacts! I asked each person that got a campaign postcard to let FIVE of their friends know about our campaign - hoping for the power of multiplication!
Attended SEPAC Meeting (February 15, 2024)
I had the opportunity to attend the SEPAC (website) meeting and listen to a dedicated and energetic group of parents discuss their needs with respect to students with disabilities. Listening to the presentation on ESY and summer programs, the update on unleveling from Steve, and the discussion on how to get SEPAC concerns in front of the School Committee regularly was time well spent for me.
Nomination Forms Handed In! (February 15, 2024)
Thanks to hard work by a dedicated team of volunteers, we were able to gather nearly 200 signatures for the Nomination Forms to get my name on the Ballot. It is really enjoyable for me to stand with people as they were providing their "wet" signatures - a few seconds of their time but what a statement about our democracy.
School Committee Meeting With Legislators (February 12, 2024)
Attended in-person, annual joint meeting of School Committee, legislators, School Administration, Town Administration, and Advisory Committee. Learned about specific legislation priorities of legislators including Cong. Jake Auchincloss, Sen. Cynthia Creem, Rep. Tommy Vitolo, Rep. Kevin Honan, Rep. Ruth Balser, and Rep. Bill MacGregor. Some of Brookline's 2024 legislative priorities include School-based early childhood programs, full, stable funding for METCO, efforts to eliminate MCAS as a graduation requirement, and full funding for the Student Opportunity Act.
Pierce School Principal Meeting (February 9, 2024)
Jamie Yadoff, School Principal, and I met to discuss the 8th grade transition into High School and how to meet the needs of students and their families in the 21st century. I also had the pleasure of taking a tour of the current building.
Hayes PTO Game Night (February 7, 2024)
Superintendent Meeting (January 26, 2024)
Dr. Guillory, Brookline School Supertintendent, and I met to discuss the FY25 budget and District challenges.
Town MLK Celebration (January 15, 2024, Coolidge Theatre)
For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point short of victory.
Dr. Martin Luther King - "I've Been to the Mountaintop," 1968
