 My name is Carrie Spitzer and I am a member of the Amherst School Committee running for re-election. I grew up in Amherst and graduated from the public schools. Today my oldest son is a student at Wildwood and I hope that my youngest children might be able to attend elementary school in a new or renovated school building. Yesterday I attended a meet and greet at Fort River. When I asked parents and community members about their concerns, I heard that they are worried about the conditions in our schools, particularly Fort River and Wildwood. That is why I ran in 2018 and why I am running again. I am proud of what we have accomplished, but I believe there is much work to be done and we need thoughtful and dedicated leadership to continue that work. I moved to New York City after college where I pursued a master's in public administration. Later I worked at the independent budget office where I conducted non-partisan policy analysis and budget analysis. I moved from New York City back to Massachusetts to pursue a PhD in urban policy and planning. Today I work as a health services researcher. While I have been most comfortable behind the scenes as an analyst and as a researcher, I believe in public service and that is why I am running today. I would like to give back to the schools that have provided me with so much. As a school committee member, I serve on the budget and policy subcommittees. I voted in support of the new dual language immersion program at Fort River. I also voted to support the compromise plan submitted to the state to build or renovate a new building to replace Wildwood and Fort River. Please vote for me on November 5th so we can continue to work to strengthen our schools. Thank you.