When questioned about motivation to join the race for School Committee, Mrs. Ussach noted that while New Bedford currently enjoys an eclectic assortment of quality teachers, students, volunteers and sponsors, many significant challenges lie ahead that are critical to developing and growing the school system's long-term viability.More specifically, Mrs. Ussach identified the search for and confirmation of a new superintendent of the New Bedford Public Schools, reevaluation of the schools' funding and sponsorship initiatives as well as the maintenance and rebuilding projects as her main stated goals.

Like New Bedford Republicans, Mrs. Ussach believes that solid, industrious leadership at the superintendent's post acknowledges a determination to mold the public school system into a leaner, more fiscally responsible and accountable organization.Candidates for New Bedford Schools Superintendent should come to the position with an urgent sense of propriety for the system and show initiative in building partnerships with various state, national and business grant and fund-raising opportunities.The next superintendent must value the vision of hard-work, innovation and respect for the community.Mrs. Ussach is committed to expanding the search to candidates who can convince Whaling City residents that the educational system will install methods to quantify and measure growth.

In stark contradistinction to presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's book, It Takes a Village, Mrs. Ussach commented that too often the village is forced to pick up the child and carry him or her on its collective back.Concerned by the all-time high drop-out rate at New Bedford High School, Mrs. Ussach is committed to working with civic, municipal and business leaders to explore and install new ways to engage young men and women to participate in education and take practical knowledge from their experience with the public school system.Mrs. Ussach contends that of course, this is far easier said than done.

Positive and unflappable, Mrs. Ussach strongly believes that she is the best candidate for the New Bedford School Committee because of her strong desire to see each New Bedford student succeed in a safe, friendly and loving environment.Mrs. Ussach notes that while New Bedford boasts a great quantity of highly qualified and capable professionals, these young men and women choose to leave SouthCoast for Providence and Boston due to a lack of collaboration between New Bedford's educational, civic and business leaders.Mrs. Ussach is committed to growing our educational resources to better serve our students not only while they are students, but also young professionals, employers and Whaling City citizens.

Mrs. Ussach was born and raised in the city of New Bedford and attended parochial and public schools.She graduated from New Bedford High School with highest honors and attended and received certifications from the American Institute of Banking as well as the William School of Banking.A professional banker for over thirty years, Mrs. Ussach was employed by NBIS and FirstFed and now serves as credit manager for the New Bedford Standard Times and the Cape Cod Times.

Mrs. Ussach has been an active member of the SouthCoast community by serving and volunteering in many roles and formats.Mrs. Ussach currently sits on the board of directors for JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT in SouthCoast and through that association she teaches a program of economics in the elementary schools geared to the Massachusetts Frameworks.

Mrs. Ussach lists her membership on the executive board of P.A.C.E. (People Acting in Community Endeavors) helping to coordinate educational outreach campaigns and programs like HeadStart and YouthBuild in the city's neighborhoods.She additionally participates as a member of the advisory board for the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School and specifically in its technology department.

A political newcomer, Mrs. Ussach's only prior political experience was her unsuccessful run for New Bedford School Committee in 2004.Mrs. Ussach presently lives in New Bedford's Ward 1 with her husband, Harvey.