Jeremy Kay

Please share your skills, qualifications, and experiences that will make you a great member of the School Committee. Do you have a candidate website or social media page where voters can learn more about you?

With an MBA from the University of Chicago and extensive experience in corporate strategy and planning, I am well-prepared to tackle the financial challenges our schools face. My expertise in strategic financial management and data-driven decision-making is crucial for addressing the current budgeting headwinds our district faces, ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely. I have experience driving decisions across various organizational functions, setting strategic priorities, and communicating the rationale for those decisions to stakeholders. Addressing the significant issues of transparency and communication is a major focus for me, and I am committed to making substantial improvements in these areas.

Campaign website: https://www.electjeremykay.com/home

The Sharon School Committee has to deal with a budget deficit of $1-1.5 million dollars every year. How will you handle these difficult choices?

To handle the difficult budgeting choices we will face, significant changes must be made to our budgeting process. This year's approach was unacceptable, and we can do better. Good decisions require time, focus, and input from the community—all of which were lacking in this year's rushed process.

I propose reintroducing regular meetings of the budget subcommittee to provide the necessary focus and time to address these financial decisions. Early in the process, I plan to seek significant input from both parents and educators to ensure all voices are considered. Additionally, I would implement a comprehensive review of the budget to allow us to explore all possible options effectively.

Deleveling is a popular trend nationwide to eliminate advanced and honors classes. The Sharon superintendent has proposed to eliminate advanced math at the middle school and advanced science classes in early high school. What is your position on deleveling?

I am opposed to deleveling and am disappointed that it continues to be proposed by our administration, despite strong opposition from parents. It is essential that students receive instruction and coursework tailored to their individual needs, and deleveling makes meeting these diverse needs very challenging. Recent research conducted by the Brookings Institute has shown that deleveling not only hurts academic performance but also fails to achieve the equity goals it claims to support. It is critical that our educational policies ensure that all students have the opportunities they need to succeed at every level of their education.

Many Sharon parents feel they are forced to hire private tutors or enroll in outside classes because either their child is not being challenged enough or is falling behind. What can you do as a School Committee member to help all children achieve their full academic potential?

As a School Committee member, I would advocate for several approaches to help all children reach their academic potential. First, I would require the use of high-quality, evidence-based curricula to ensure that educational materials and practices are research-backed, enhancing learning outcomes. Additionally, I would oppose the deleveling of classes, supporting differentiated learning levels to allow students to progress at a pace that suits their abilities. I would also advocate for quality remedial programs that assist students who are falling behind, ensuring every child has the chance to succeed. Prioritizing Advanced Placement courses is crucial, as they prepare high-achieving students for college and beyond. Finally, I would support academic clubs like the math team to foster a community of learners. Together, these actions would create a supportive and challenging educational environment that encourages all students to excel.