Monroe Ends Time on School Committee
After five terms and fifteen years on the Fairhaven School Committee, including service as Chair, I have decided not to seek reelection. Wednesday, May 20, was my final meeting.
Serving the students, families, educators, and taxpayers of Fairhaven has been a great honor. I first ran for this position because I believed in the importance of public education and the future of our town. Fifteen years later, I am proud of what we have accomplished together.
During my tenure, we successfully advocated for and secured approval for the new Leroy Wood Elementary School. The people of Fairhaven trusted us with that vision, and since opening in 2013, Wood School has provided students with a modern, safe, and inspiring place to learn.
We also completed Alumni Stadium, providing Fairhaven High School student-athletes with one of the finest athletic facilities on the South Coast. This is a source of pride for our students, families, and community.
I am proud that Fairhaven became the first school district in Massachusetts to receive district-wide accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Fairhaven High School has also been recognized on the Advanced Placement Honor Roll and received high marks from state and national organizations. These achievements reflect the dedication and professionalism of our teachers, administrators, support staff, students, and families.
Over the past fifteen years, I have had the privilege of working with outstanding colleagues. Together, we advanced Fairhaven Public Schools and achieved goals once thought unattainable.
While I am proud of our accomplishments, I must also acknowledge the difficult reality we now face.
Unfortunately, our schools now face significant financial challenges.
This year’s budget funds our schools at the minimum required by state law. Financial constraints make it difficult to offer competitive salaries, limiting our ability to attract and retain staff. We lack sufficient support staff, and many dedicated employees are experiencing exhaustion and burnout.
When the first Proposition 2½ override failed, our schools bore the impact. We had to eliminate elementary teaching positions and reduce services for our most vulnerable students.
We now face another proposed override. If it fails, our financial situation will worsen. Without change, our schools will face even greater challenges. I share this not to create fear, but because the people of Fairhaven deserve honesty.
Our schools are one of the foundations of this community. Strong schools protect property values, attract families, create opportunities for children, and shape our town’s future. Investing in education is a responsibility, not a luxury.
Thank you to the citizens of Fairhaven for supporting me and our schools over the past fifteen years. I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me through five elections.
Today, I ask the community to come together and support this override. While it will not resolve every financial issue, it will help stabilize our schools and provide time to build a more sustainable future.
Fairhaven is worth fighting for. Our students are worth fighting for.
Thank you, Fairhaven.
Brian Monroe, Fairhaven
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