Sudbury 2024 Election Profile: Richard Thalmann, School Committee

SUDBURY, MA — Sudbury's 2024 election is underway, with mail-in voting happening ahead of Election Day on Monday.

To help voters make choices this year, we've asked candidates running in the contested races — Sudbury School Committee and Sudbury Select Board — to respond to candidate questionnaires.

School committee candidate Richard Thalmann is one of three locals running for two seats in an open race with no incumbents. Here's how he responded:

Can tell voters about yourself?

I am excited to share my candidacy for Sudbury School Committee. I am a lifelong Massachusetts resident, having been born here and even spent part of my childhood at Curtis Middle School. After sharing my fond memories with my wife Erin about Sudbury, we knew it was the right place for us to call home. In 2013, we purchased our home and feel incredibly fortunate to be raising our three children in this amazing community!

Like many families in Sudbury, my wife and I center our lives around our childrens’ education and activities. From helping with homework to actively participating in football, lacrosse, hockey, and swimming, we strive to be involved and supportive in every possible way. At times, we are the enthusiastic cheering section, and on other occasions, we step into coaching roles. As a coach, I enjoy supporting all children in developing game-related skills on the field but also acquiring crucial life skills through physical and mental challenges, as well as working together as a team to become a better, more cohesive unit. Seeing this kind of growth in children as they move from season to season is rewarding as both a parent and Coach.

In my professional career, I serve as Chief Financial Officer in the design, technology and manufacturing industry. I received my Bachelors in Accounting from Assumption College and serve as a Certified Public Accountant. I specialize in finance and accounting, with over two decades of experience in overseeing financial matters across diverse industries. My proficiency in data analysis provides me the skills to develop practical tools that effectively contribute to overall fiscal oversight and management. I've built my career on never saying "this is how we've always done it". These are the qualities that have made me successful both as an individual contributor and a leader working with others.

Why are you running for school committee this year?

I am running for Sudbury School Committee because I am passionate about education and being an advocate for students and families. I bring the ability to work collaboratively on teams. I have a strong understanding of budgets and finance which is crucial in achieving district goals and upholding high educational standards. My top priority is providing all students the highest quality educational experience, with a keen focus on its impact on students’ academic achievement and overall wellbeing.

Every student should have the opportunity to achieve their greatest academic capabilities while prioritizing their overall emotional wellbeing. Student achievement is the greatest responsibility of the School Committee. Over the past several years students have faced both academic and mental health challenges. Students’ emotional health and wellbeing directly impacts their ability to engage in their academic life. I support the continuation of academic recovery for students and mental health supports that have become critical to students and families. One of my highest priorities will be to advocate for advancing academic and curriculum initiatives in the District. I will be a strong advocate for all students. Sudbury is an exceptional community and our students deserve an exceptional educational experience.

Education is one of the greatest investments we make as a community. Budget and financial accountability is one of the most important responsibilities of the School Committee. I will ensure that the critical funds you have entrusted in Sudbury Public Schools will be distributed in a financially prudent manner and I will offer the necessary oversight to achieve District objectives on behalf of our students. I will make data-driven, well informed decisions to ensure our resources are expended to maximize the greatest impact while meeting the needs of all students.

Collaboration and Communication is vital in the way we represent our students. Clear, transparent and collaborative communication is key in creating an environment that benefits all stakeholders. As a school committee member, effective communication and collaboration is essential for making informed decisions and maintaining a positive and productive environment. This collaboration is critical not only amongst the committee but also in the way the committee works with the administration in setting priorities and making decisions. Also, parents and families are the most vital stakeholders in a student’s educational experience. I will advocate for continued clear, consistent communication and engagement with parents and families. This spans across all areas. It is only when all of these pieces are in place and we are all working together that we can make impactful decisions in the best interest of all students.

I have loved Sudbury and Sudbury schools since I was a young student here. I want to be a part of making every child's experience as memorable as mine, so they too will come back some day and raise their family in this extraordinary town we all call home! Students need us more than ever. They need people who will work hard for them, make sure they have what they need, and give them the best chance possible for an excellent education. Sudbury is an exceptional community and our students deserve an exceptional educational experience.
I hope to earn your vote on Monday, March 25 and to learn more please visit www.thalmann4sudbury.com.

There’s been a movement across the nation to ban lessons and books in schools dealing with issues like sex, gender and race. What’s your stance on this movement and teaching on these subjects?

I do not believe in banning books or lessons. I neither want to ban anything nor do I see the School Committee as having the authority to do so. The State drives the curriculum and administrators and educational professionals in our schools have the responsibility to implement curriculum and updated standards. As far as the books and lessons go, I’m grateful to see that our committee has been committed to keeping policies current with the changing world. There is a process to follow if any parent has a concern or questions regarding a book. And decisions don’t get made by one person or one teacher — a committee is convened to discuss any issues. It is when we all have the same knowledge and understanding that we can all better support students.

In 2021 the School Committee approved an equity statement “welcoming, affirming, and celebrating all students, staff, and families.” I believe in this and have always tried to raise my kids to value everyone as an individual, and I want our schools to be a supportive and caring environment for all students.

What’s one thing the school district is doing well and one thing it’s not doing well? How would you fix what’s not being done well?

The Sudbury Public Schools budget, and budgeting process, is in good shape as a result of the current committee's diligence in improving the reporting tools.The District has done a good job in creating a budget book that is clear, transparent and data driven. The annual publication of the Budget Book, an important resource for our community, and I believe it’s an effective way to communicate the overall budget and the important work happening in our schools.

I believe that students learn best when they are engaged in authentic activities, working collaboratively with peers to deepen their understanding and knowledge of the world around them. This includes unique opportunities to develop knowledge about other customs and cultures, outdoor learning for science, environmental studies, and history. Opportunities to use the outdoors as a classroom allows students to explore the world of earth science and the value of being good environmental stewards to our planet.

In addition to the fundamentals of the core curriculum, I wholeheartedly believe we need more cultural enrichment. SPS once offered more cultural learning experiences for students. I believe we should look at different ways to bring new enrichment back to the schools. Curriculum changes, it evolves, and we should offer activities to reflect that. At the same time, let’s not just remove, but let’s take the opportunity to improve on the past and bring students more memorable and enriching learning experiences.

Enrichment and cultural experiences play an important role in our children’s learning journey and become treasured memories for our students long after they leave SPS. If given the chance to join the Committee, I would be a strong advocate for enrichment opportunities and more hands on and outdoor experiential learning for students.