[Ed note: On May 8th, residents will vote to appoint candidates to five contested seats on three important boards. To help you make that decision, I have invited each of them to submit a letter to readers.]
To the Editor:
My name is John Gobron, and I am running for Southborough School Committee.
Education has been a lifelong passion of mine. I grew up in a family of educators, and actually began my career as a math teacher in the Norwood public school system, many years ago. My brother, and fellow Southborough resident, taught high school physics for a number of years; and after a 10-year career as a teacher, my sister co-founded the Lighthouse School in Holyoke, MA. My uncle had a distinguished career here in Southborough as a teacher, administrator, and superintendent; and I am proud to have other uncles, aunts, and cousins who are all teachers. Gobron family get-togethers often have spirited and collaborative discussions on education practices and policy.
Having called Southborough home for 20 years, I feel it is the right time to serve my town in a capacity where my contributions can make a positive difference.
My credentials are rooted in experience. As a technology-focused CEO, with hands-on experience in strategy, finance, and communications, I have reported to and served on boards for a large part of my career.
As such, I have an abundance of experience with governance leadership in private and non-profit organizations highlighted by an exceptional ability to foster collaboration. Effective school committee governance only happens when there is collaboration between parents, Southborough taxpayers, school system administrators, and town government – all on behalf of the students.
My platform is a simple one.
- We are privileged to live in and contribute to a town which fully supports our school system; and with that support comes great responsibility. Balancing excellent education programs and sound fiscal policy is one of the greatest responsibilities in our town government.
- Education is a journey, not a destination. While much attention is focused on day-to-day imperatives, an effective School Committee should collaborate to deliver a sound long term strategy, which puts our children’s education and school experience first.
From a professional perspective, I am the CEO of a software firm, eBroselow, which double checks medication doses for children in emergency rooms at more than 300 hospitals in the United States. In prior roles, I’ve led $100M+ business units, sales & marketing teams, and start-up companies. In addition to my professional roles, I also volunteer my leadership capabilities with two amazing organizations:
- Marlboro Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Committee, Board Member (2016 – Present)
- Southborough Troop 92 Boy Scouts, Vice Chair (2017 – Present)
On a personal level, I have been married to my wonderful wife, Anne, for 24 years. We have three children, Ian (18), Elise (15), Hayden (11) who have benefited immensely from their respective individual journeys through the Southborough School System. Lastly, but certainly not least importantly, education has been a priority in my own life, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to study at and contribute to the following institutions:
- Norwood Public School System
- The Roxbury Latin School
- Union College (BA, Economics)
- Babson College (MBA)
In summary, I hope to earn your vote as the candidate who has the experience and skills to help lead our Southborough schools to deliver the exceptional education experience we all want for our town’s children.
Thank you,
John Gobron
9 Latisquama Road
Candidate for School Committee
