Tiye CORT ODIMA

Congratulations to all of the winners of the 2024 Town Election!

 

It takes a significant amount of time and effort to organize and run a campaign, and I want to be sure to acknowledge that every candidate’s hard work has paid off.

 

I did not win a seat on the school committee, but it is not lost on me that this is still a momentous and historic time for Foxborough. The school committee is in a special position with amazing leadership that I hope the town continues to embrace, particularly as some tough decisions are imminent this year: hiring a new business manager, working on the next success plan, and choosing a new logo. So much great work has been done leading up to this election, and I sincerely hope that it continues peacefully and in a way that sets our district up for excellence. I also hope that our amazing superintendent continues to feel fully supported in the vision that she holds for our schools- one that centers student experience and embraces progress in our increasingly diverse classrooms.

 

WE ran a successful campaign and I remain hopeful that our school committee will do great things. The power of word-of-mouth, meeting people where they are, letting people know that their votes matter, and exactly what they were voting for proved to be successful in getting people to the polls. I entered the school committee election knowing that my work continues regardless of the outcome. Rest assured that this election does not represent the finish line for my education work or voicing the needs of our schools. I will continue my journey as an advocate for my children and yours because they all deserve leadership that enables our schools to excel academically, positively impact the community, and prepare our young people to do great things in the world. 

 

883 total votes is no small feat! It shows me that the people who took a chance in getting to know me (by asking me tough questions, sharing their own experiences, and hearing about my experience and competence to help move our schools forward) put their support into action by casting their votes for me. Thank you.

 

Thank you to those who sent me messages or approached me in-person, sharing that the things that I have talked about concerning representation, diversity, equity, and inclusion resonate with you. There are people who believe that your experiences are not true, are invalid, or add their own spin to what you share. Please do not be discouraged by this. I know how challenging it can be to find safety and support through a listening ear- especially when your story is not one that is welcomed or seems unfamiliar. I hear you, I believe you, and I hope that you continue to share your stories. Thank you for constantly reminding me that leadership roles hold different weight and responsibility for everyone, and sometimes the biggest losses translate to huge wins for those who previously felt unheard.

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To everyone who supported my campaign, whether through phone calls and texts to friends, sharing my website, attending events, standing outside on cold mornings holding signs, donating money and service, introducing me to amazing people, or beeping your horn and giving a thumbs up when driving by, thank you. From the first day I collected nomination paper signatures until the polls closed, I felt supported and extremely hopeful, and I still feel the same. As I write this, my phone is buzzing with long texts encouraging me to be proud of a successful campaign and to consider running again.

 

This campaign has been an unimaginable learning experience. I experienced the best and the worst of responses and reactions that I have ever received in my life. For every time my character was attacked, I was called out of my name, a new rumor or lie was spread about me, or my words were intentionally shared out of context, there were plenty more times when I was invited to meet someone who had heard of me through someone else, I was told that I am “exactly what our town needs right now”, and I accepted invitations to speak publicly and share exactly how my platform and vision for our schools aligns with the district’s plans. I did all of this while designing my own website and mailers, teaching college freshmen, managing to remain completely present while raising two little ones with my amazingly supportive husband, and prepping for a busy summer semester. I am proud of myself for putting myself out there in this race. It was exhausting, but totally worth it.

 

Thank you all so much!

Tiye