To the editor:

My name is Melissa Pacheco and I am pleased to announce that I am running for re-election for Westport School Committee.

I grew up in Westport. I am a Westport High alum, as is my husband of 17 years, Joseph. We have two children, a 4th grader at Westport Elementary, and a daughter who died at 12 days old, she would be 14 today.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a MBA. I have experience with education budgets and expense monitoring and currently work closely with the business community.

I have been blessed to have a number of experiences that I believe will continue to add value to the committee. I have listed a few below.

* I have extensive fiscal management experience, from earning an accounting degree and MBA, to over 10 years hands on experience with managing budgets, approving expenses and financial reporting.

* I have higher education experience. Working at UMass Dartmouth I have the knowledge of the skills required of individuals entering today’s global job market, from the importance of academic knowledge to the high need for soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and strategic planning.

* I am an honest, dedicated and caring individual. I am a Westport High Alum and parent who makes fact-based decisions on what is best for the majority, considering students first.

Westport is not just a town, it is our town. I will fight tirelessly for our school district. Westport High is a level 1 school, the elementary school has STEM classes, children at the Macomber School are reading “1000 books” and our junior high students are building a boat with curriculum that ties to our region! We have sports teams in state tournaments and spectacular drama productions, but we need to continue this positive trend in order for our students to have the competitive edge.

The School Committee must implement goals and make decisions based on facts. I have created documents to improve the process and am on the ground running. During the last three years I have advocated for additional funding and space. I have witnessed collaborations with town departments and dedicated parents and community volunteers working together to improve the lives of our students, which is what it is all about.

I respectfully ask for your vote on April 12 to re-elect Melissa Pacheco for Westport School Committee.

Sincerely,

Melissa Pacheco

Westport