Westwood MA
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Wednesday April 15 2026 9:27am

Litmus Test for Westwood Candidates

This post expresses the views and opinions of the author(s) and not necessarily that of Westwood Minute management or staff.

Litmus Test for Westwood Candidates

“Welcome to Westwood! You’ll love the schools!”

That was the greeting I received from a neighbor when I first moved into my house. You can imagine my surprise when I learned that neighbor had chosen to send his children to a private high school. I am not criticizing him for making that decision. For those that have the wealth to afford private school tuition and believe that their children will receive a superior education, it is a great use of their money.

If a candidate’s children did not graduate from Westwood schools (or are not attending Westwood schools), maybe they should consider explaining why they chose to take their children out of the public school system. I am sure there are a variety of reasons.

However, I personally don’t want people that don’t have the experience of their children attending Westwood Public Schools and graduating from them, making decisions concerning the schools that my children and grandchildren attend.

With the obvious need for a new Middle School and potential renovation or replacement of the Sheehan School, I believe that this should be a litmus test for anyone running for the School Committee, Planning Board or Select Board.

In my opinion, all the candidates for those positions should consider disclosing where their children are attending school (including where they attended high school). If their children did not graduate from Westwood schools, they should consider explaining that decision.

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4-15-2026 5:46pm

I think this is unnecessary when it comes to the Select Board. My kids go to Westwood public schools and will graduate from them. I would probably prefer someone who shared that experience to be on the School Committee but don't see that as a requirement. The Select Board needs someone who can look at the big picture needs of the town. I want a candidate that will reduce wasted spending and be transparent about communicating with town residents. I frankly don't care where their kids go to school, which is also a highly personal decision, as long as they have the best interests of the town at heart. 

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