LETTER TO THE EDITOR by ELLEN LARKIN ROLLINGS: Supporting Parmelee for School Committee

As many folks know, I’ve been incredibly active in our community over the last several years. I have solid roots here and I’m a proud WHS graduate, Class of 1990. I care very deeply about this town, and all the things that make this town special. I’m also keenly aware of all the challenges this community faces. I know full well that serving our community is not only a huge honor, but also a huge responsibility.

Dori Parmelee has a Master’s Degree in education, plus extensive experience working in Human Resources. This unique combination of skills gives her both the institutional knowledge and the background to understand the nuances of the educational workforce. She is kind, balanced, and understands how important listening is to successful working relationships. She is a proven leader, and has a deep understanding of how to attract and retain top talent. Dori is well-suited to work with our teachers, staff, and parents collaboratively and productively, which is essential to ensuring that Westwood schools, and our children, excel.

Dori devotes a great deal of her free time to volunteering, and has a strong record of giving back to our community. She has been consistently active in the Hanlon School PTO and currently serves as its President. She has enhanced the community by pioneering programs such as the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive competition between the Hanlon and Deerfield schools, which benefits the Westwood Food Pantry. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck us, Dori organized the “Westwood Together” sign effort, which raised money to fund air purifiers for Hanlon classrooms, and symbolically united us as a town during a frightening, tumultuous time. She served as treasurer for the Westwood Integrated Preschool and was instrumental in obtaining grants which provided enrichment programs for the preschool children. She has served our community as a member of the Westwood Young Women’s Club, and is an integral member of our Special Education Parent Advisory Council. I could write several more paragraphs about Dori’s ongoing work that continues to enhance our community.

There has been much discussion as of late about diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Massachusetts Department of Education has included age-appropriate, necessary perspectives on DE&I in its curriculum frameworks. These topics do not come at the expense of academics; we need to prepare our kids to be successful in the global community and that education includes both the traditional academic subjects and an understanding of other cultures, races, religions, etc. I also personally feel that it is imperative that we teach our children to view and value different perspectives, experiences, and truths in addition to their own. Many companies are now including DE&I statements on their websites, and have integrated aspects of DE&I into their HR policies and training. Dori understands the importance of a well-rounded education for our children’s futures.

We need leaders who stand firm in the face of intolerance and ignorance, leaders who are clear and consistent in their support of our diverse community, and acknowledge how that diversity is what makes our community vibrant. We need leaders who will work towards the goal as noted in the recent statement from our Select Board that “The Town of Westwood strives to be, for all residents and community members, a safe place where one is free from discrimination and able to grow into the best, most authentic version of oneself, and where we are committed to continuously learning and evolving through our connections to and mutual respect for each other and our community.” I have heard much talk recently about judging people by the content of their character; I agree wholeheartedly. Through the exceptional content of her character, Dori Parmelee has resoundingly earned my vote for a seat on our School Committee. I ask you to consider joining me in electing her to the board. Whomever you choose, please vote on April 26 - your voice needs to be heard.

-Ellen Larkin Rollings