Suffield Democratic Town Committee
Susan Mercik Davis – Board of Education
Susan Mercik Davis
Suffield Board of Education
Why Re-elect Susan Mercik Davis:
I have delivered on my promise to bring positive change, enhanced communication and transparency to our Board of Education and Suffield Public Schools. Throughout the last four years, I have led with integrity, compassion and transparency during one of the most difficult times in education in modern history, the global pandemic of COVID 19. I have strongly advocated all students of Suffield, our teachers and staff and I have been fiscally responsibility with our district’s budget throughout my tenure on the Board. Highlights of my accomplishments of my last four years as a Board of Education (BOE) member are:
- Leadership: I have served as Board Chair for the last three years of my term. During my time as Chair, I led the search committee for a new Superintendent which resulted in the hire of our exceptional superintendent Dr. Timothy Van Tasel. Through the Board and Dr. Van Tasel’s leadership we have set a high standard of academic excellence, improved shared governance with the Town of Suffield through transparency and fiscal responsibility, and open and earnest communication with our families and community members. As Board Chair, I have also navigated leading the Board through an unprecedented time in education history the COVID 19 pandemic. As a result of my strong, thoughtful and compassionate leadership the Board was able to have difficult conversations, work towards positives solutions and ensure that our families felt their voices were heard and valued.
- Curriculum and Instruction: I was a strong advocate for elevating our program offerings within Suffield Public Schools. I advocated and supported adding STEM instruction in our elementary and intermediate schools, enhancing professional development for teachers and staff and adding a full time Director of Athletics and Student Activities. These improvements have supported our teachers and have resulted in improved student outcomes and will improve our already successful athletics and student activities programs enhancing students’ experiences within SPS.
- Social Emotional Wellness: I supported adding additional student supports (psychologists, social workers, family student liaison) which has become increasingly more important due to the effects of the pandemic.
- Special Education: I tirelessly advocated for greater accountability within our Special Education Department, especially for our students with the greatest needs. I supported greater professional development and best practices for all teachers and staff in order to create an environment of inclusion, equity and support for all of our students living with disabilities which ultimately will lead to reducing the achievement gap and decreasing outplacements.
- Communication: I am proud of the greater, more transparent communication coming from the BOE and from our district leaders to all of our stakeholders in the district during my tenure on the BOE. With greater communication, Suffield families have a renewed sense of partnership with the District which instills more trust and collaboration from all participants within Suffield Public Schools.
More about Susan Mercik Davis
- Work Experience and Education: 25 years of teaching in higher education. I have taught at Mass General Institute of Health Professions, Northeastern University and American International College all in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs. I have a bachelor of science in physical therapy from Boston University, a master of science in orthopedic physical therapy and a doctorate of physical therapy from MGH Institute of Health Professions. I have also completed one year towards my Doctorate of Education at American International College.
- Family: I have lived in Suffield with my husband and three children (ages 19, 17 and 15 years old) for over 11 years.
- Community Involvement: I serve as Co-Chair of the Foundation for Exceptional Children of Suffield (FECS). FECS is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to bring greater awareness, education and inclusion to Suffield’s special needs community. I have been an active participant and volunteer in many PTO events and fundraisers within SPS. I completed a parent leadership course through the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI develops leadership, communication and advocacy skills in parent leaders in education and community outreach. I also served on the Parent Advisory Committee for Special Education at the state level.
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