Letter to the Editor by Laura Briggs, retired CEMS teacher

As a retired teacher (including 15 years at CEMS) and a parent whose 3 children were educated in Cape schools, I am delighted to support Elizabeth Goodspeed for School Board. 

Elizabeth’s professional experience in education administration has uniquely prepared her for the issues facing our schools today. Since moving to Cape in 2013, she has deeply engaged in our community through countless hours volunteering at the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust and serving on the Comprehensive Plan 2019 Committee. Finally, with three young children, Elizabeth is in this for the long haul. She is committed to a rigorous and developmentally-appropriate education for all students.

As a teacher, I especially agree with Elizabeth’s concern about the rapid expansion of on-screen learning and the need to assess whether it has benefited our students. Already, she has been a measured voice advocating for a district-wide technology audit to answer basic questions: Which programs are used? For what purpose? And how is student data shared? She will push to ensure technology, including AI, is intentionally implemented only where it demonstrably improves learning outcomes. 

Our schools have been through a lot these past few years. Now is the time to take a breath and move forward collaboratively as a community. Elizabeth Goodspeed is the thoughtful voice I want on our School Board. Please join me in voting for Elizabeth on November 3!