A little over a decade ago, I walked into the New Hampshire House Education Committee for the first time to observe a committee hearing on education legislation. Most of the people serving back then, no longer serve in the legislature. That’s where I met Representative Barbara Shaw (D) from Manchester.
As a parental rights advocate focused on academic excellence in education, I got to know Barb over the 10 terms she served in the legislature. Unfortunately, today, Barbara Shaw, passed away after complications from surgery.
Barb will be missed by her colleagues on the House Education Committee, but she will also be missed by people like me. I would testify frequently before the House Education Committee, so I got to know the kind of person she was when she would comment and vote on pending legislation.
Early on, I could tell that Barb cared about how laws would impact the local schools and the children who attended them. As a former educator herself, she had a unique perspective that allowed her to understand the ramifications of any laws passed. She was an advocate for students and teachers, as well as the public schools. But sometimes, you have to prioritize children even if that meant, the other groups wouldn’t be happy about it. She was student-focused, which was appreciated by many of us who knew her.
Sometimes legislators, lobbyists, and bureaucrats try to protect the public school institution at the expense of children, but Barb wouldn’t do that. Those kids were her priority.
Did we agree on everything? No.
That’s ok, not everyone has to agree with me in order for me to respect and appreciate their service. Barb would give thoughtful consideration to the information I would present before the committee. That’s all I could ask for from her, and that’s what she did.
There were many times that she would vote for legislation I supported. Why? Because we were looking out for students, and trying to make the public schools better for all children.
Barb would cross party lines if she felt it was in the best interest of the children in New Hampshire Schools. She would listen to all sides who presented information before the committee. She wasn’t so partisan that she would ignore the realities, but instead, she would always try to do the right thing.
If you can’t tell by now, she earned the respect and admiration from this advocate. She will be remembered by me, as an advocate for children, teachers, and good public schools.
My prayer for Barb; may your soul Rest In Peace. It was an honor to know you.
