“I thought you’d fallen off the edge of the earth?”

That’s what someone said to me the other day when I talked with them for the first time since November.

I have been devoting more time the past three months to work and family, including my daughter Eliza who is now six months old. I also remain active in the community: volunteering at Bernazzani, serving as a Director for the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, and pitching in on the special election campaign and preparing to serve as a delegate to the Democratic State Convention in Worcester this summer. (Yes, I am a Democrat though I reserve the option to support the best candidate, regardless of party.)

Schools remain a primary interest of mine. I read with disappointment that Quincy was not able to get the signatures required to be eligible for Race to the Top grant money. And while I’m not opposed to charter schools in any and all cases, I agreed with the decision not to approve the Hanlin academy. I’m also following the very recent designation of 30-odd schools across Massachusetts as under-performing and the radical measures being undertaken (firings, requirements that teachers re-apply for jobs).

We are not out of the woods yet on the economic mess, not by a long shot, which means a tough year for the city budget and for Quincy Public Schools. How much deeper can we cut into programs and services before we impair our ability to attract and retain parents (and taxpayers)? Creative thinking, and shared sacrifice, will be required if we’re to keep the doors open and keep our schools competitive.