Marianne Gilland to Run for Board of Education Seat

Marianne Gilland, a Pelham resident for 25 years, said on Friday that she is running for one of two available Board of Education seats.

“I’ve always been involved at a certain level,” remarked Gilland whose daughter is a freshman at PMHS and whose two sons have already graduated. “I’ve always been a class parent as much as I could.”

Ted Howard has completed his first term and Will Cavanagh has completed his third, and both are seeking reelection. Gilland said that she first became interested in school affairs when her daughter started seventh grade. Gilland said she got a “very different feel” for what was in store for her daughter at school at that point, but couldn’t necessarily “put her finger on” what had changed.

Gilland was motivated to join a group of on-site volunteer parents at the high school last year. The group of four parents periodically met to discuss and deliberate various issues. But it was when she saw the documentary “” in Mamaroneck that Gilland realized what her primary concerns are—teaching for standardized tests and arbitrary grading policies.

“We need to know that kids are getting a fair shake,” Gilland said with regard to the schools’ grading system, “that there is some rhyme or reason.”

Before deciding to run for a school board seat, Gilland said that she approached members with her concerns about the and academic policies, but felt that her voice was not being heard.

“They keep saying, ‘Trust us. You’ll see what we’re doing,’” Gilland said. “I just don’t think I should be in that camp.”

As a board member, Gilland would like to pursue a number of initiatives, including fostering more openness within the community, with events like February’s Community Forum. Gilland recognizes that next year's budget will only get tighter. But, she hopes to retain that which distinguishes Pelham from other districts.

“I would like to keep as much of a local flavor in our schools as we can,” Gilland said.