GREENFIELD — The former superintendent is running for re-election, aspiring to move from a two-year term to a four-year term on the Greenfield School Committee.

Susan Hollins is the current head of the policy subcommittee, an influential group that has headed several the initiatives the Greenfield Public Schools has moved forward with in recent time.

In addition to continuing her work in both policy and budget, Hollins plans to keep working on the development of curriculum for classrooms, regardless of tight finances.

“We may not have all the money we’d like to have, but we’re fairly stable,” Hollins said. “My goal — and it has always been — is can we have programs here that attract and are supported by our families here? We need to know what kind of programs they support for their children and try to have that.”

The lifelong professional educator, since retiring from her job as superintendent of Greenfield, has quickly moved into work for the School Committee.

“I’m proud of the work to update governance and financial policies as this helps provide stability and best practice,” Hollins added in an email. “I’ve been a consistent voice of support for continuous improvement, safe and supportive culture for all students and faculty, and safe buildings.”

At the most recent School Committee meeting, in October, Hollins submitted a full review of all of the committee’s activity for the 2016-17 school year. She pointed to its strengths in finances, policy, negotiations and cooperation between agencies, but added that the school has to continue to work on attracting faculty, parents and students.

Hollins said School Choice remains an obstacle for Greenfield and all districts.

“The Choice environment is very difficult for all schools. It’s particularly difficult for rural areas where there aren’t many children,” Hollins said. “You only have one chance to get an education and I think you need to get where you can thrive and each student needs to be in a school system where they can thrive, and the goal of being on a governing body in a public system is to make sure every student thrives. Child success is our mission and I believe that.”

At policy meetings, Hollins is known for combing through pages of policy to find the meaning behind a particular line or word to ensure the committee moves forward with knowledge and precision.

“If I’m re-elected, it would be a privilege to stay as an advocate for the students and the staff and for the community’s education program,” Hollins said. “I support our efforts to connect with the community.”

She hopes to work on programming for students, while continuing with a School Committee that she noted has grown together over the past couple of years.

“It takes a long time for a committee or governing body to get to work well together,” Hollins said. “I think if you have some stability in your governing bodies, you have a good chance in getting something accomplished.”

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