Letter to the Editor - Endorsement of Leo Brehm

To the Editor,

We are writing this letter in support of Leo Brehm who is running for re-election to Medfield’s School Committee. Over the past three years Leo has diligently served on the Medfield School Committee and has made his decisions with these as his guide – our children, our teachers, and our town. Leo is not a follower, and he is not afraid to share his opinion productively, which is always supported by evidence. He has made an active difference while advocating for students with special needs, improving the infrastructure of the schools, and has served as a trusted source of knowledge about how to improve Medfield schools and resolve budget concerns. Leo has spent his career doing this for other districts. How fortunate is Medfield that he has been so willing to volunteer his services to us, because he loves this town and community.

We met Leo many years ago when he coached kindergarten soccer with my husband. Leo never played soccer, and knew nothing about the sport, but he was out on that field supporting his son and the kids on his team. My husband, who coached and played the sport for many years, would receive emails and texts from Leo asking questions. He wanted to know more, because he wanted to help these little six-year old children play. He wanted to be that coach! The one who makes a difference for kids. His passion to help these kids resonated with me. We have watched how he has handled tough School Committee decisions and truly stood up to make a difference. We see that passion continue in all aspects of his life. He wants to understand, and carefully listens to his constituents, and is a life-long learner who wants to make a difference for everyone.

We have all witnessed the calm and respectful way Leo interacts with his School Committee colleagues, the teachers, and the administration. He demonstrates that it is possible to work toward consensus, and to be respectful rather than adversarial when dealing with stakeholders. Leo pushed for smaller class sizes and for curriculum alignment and advancement. He believes in the expansion of the pre-school and full-day kindergarten classes. This pandemic may have caused some to sit back and criticize what could be done differently, but Leo reacted with our children, teachers, and schools in the front of his mind. He advocated for alternating Wednesday in-person hybrid days and worked with the teachers and administration to get our kids back in school full-time ahead of many surrounding districts. Leo holds listening sessions and takes all feedback back to the School Committee and administration to ensure tough topics are discussed. He will advocate that our school budget and policies be fiscally responsible and SUPPORT the post-pandemic needs for our children. The last year has been difficult for everyone, but particularly so for those in charge of making decisions that affect the community at large. Leo consistently demonstrated that it is possible to lead without alienating people.

Leo works tirelessly, and often behind the scenes for so much. He does not ask for the credit, but that is why it is the job of his supporters to share his accomplishments and let others know he deserves your vote on March 29! We are a family who understands the role of a volunteer. We don’t sit back and wait for others to ask, we just get stuff done. We support those that roll up their sleeves. Leo not only sat in endless meetings to get our kids back in school, he then turned around and volunteered to move the desks to get the teachers and kids ready for full in-person learning. We want to be a part of the continued improvement of this town. We want to support a school committee member who has a child in the school system, who votes in all local elections, who chooses to volunteer his time to continue to responsibly be a part of improving our schools and our community. Leo has been in the fight, he knows the facts, he can see the reality of what more needs to be done. Leo Brehm has our vote!

Dean & Nicole Drummond, 8 Onondaga Lane, Medfield