History
The Amherst Committee for Excellence (ACE) was founded in December 2007 by Amherst citizens concerned about the quality and level of challenge in the Amherst Public Schools.   The Committee drafted a letter to the School Committee requesting interaction on key issues impacting the quality of education.   The letter was circulated by email and over 300 signatures collected before the letter was presented at a December School Committee meeting.   Individuals continue to add their names to the signature list, which has now also become an email distribution list, by going to the Contact Us page.

Mission
Work with teachers, administrators and elected officials to assure quality and academic challenge in the Amherst public schools for every child every day.

Who We Are
ACE was founded by Steve Rivkin and Catherine Sanderson.   Catherine has since left her leadership position in the organization to run for an open Amherst School Committee seat.   ACE membership is made up of Amherst citizens, only some of whom have children in the school system.

What We Do
ACE informs citizens of academic issues in the school system.   It encourages member participation at school board meetings, school support organizations, public forums, and school administrative and hiring coommittees.   ACE asks candidates to weigh in on public issues affecting the schools and lobbies the School Committee and administration to keep academic excellence at the top of the priority list.