I’ve never met Deborah Brooks. She wouldn’t know me if I was standing behind her on line at the supermarket.

She didn’t ask me to write this letter and has no knowledge of its submission.

Over the past three years, I’ve attended or watched every Port Washington Board of Education meeting and even many of the committee meetings. I have supported and campaigned for other candidates that both won and lost in previous races.

I read every line in the past few budget proposals. And I can confidently say that Mrs. Brooks is one of the most important trustees in the recent history of The Port Washington Board of Education.

She is a steady anchor and a consistent voice of reason and intelligence amidst challenges, confusion, and chaos. Her positions are always well-researched, fact and science-based, and in the best interest of the students of our community.

A year ago, I was a vocal advocate for change on the board. I supported newcomers and fresh voices over the long-time incumbents. This year, I strongly and vocally declare with complete conviction that this current Board of Trustees must remain intact, continue to build on the marked progress of the past year, and provide ongoing stability and leadership.

They are well-balanced, purposeful, industrious, and progress-oriented. They are open-minded and have proven that they will listen to all voices of the community, regardless of their background, experience or expertise on critical topics.

Board President Emily Beys has emerged as a true leader in our community. She is responsive, diligent, and well-connected to important policy-makers at the local and state level. Deborah Brooks is always the most prepared and well-informed trustee across the full range of topics, and represents a large subset of parents and families who believe that our children’s communal health, safety, and educational development are of paramount importance.

As the parent of a 5th and 2nd grader with many more years ahead in the Port schools, I cannot predict what challenges may arise.

But I do know that there are experienced, knowledgeable trustees with a proven track record of navigating uncharted waters already in place.

Losing Brooks or Beys from our board would be as unequivocally debilitating to our district as the budget failing to pass.

We cannot afford for either to happen.

Matt Wurst
Port Washington