Educational background:

Georgia State University: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)- Majored in Biology, with a concentration in Microbiology, and a minor in Chemistry

Simmons University: Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)- Dual Licensure in Secondary Education and Moderate Disabilities (5th-12th)

Passion for public education:

As a parent and former teacher, I strongly believe in the importance of everyone having access to a high quality education. All students deserve the opportunity to learn in a safe and inclusive environment. During my time teaching, I taught physics, chemistry, and biology and worked in several different school districts (daily subbing, long-term subbing, and teaching my own classroom). The variety of school districts afforded me the opportunity to directly observe differences in the implementation of services and programs for English language learners (ELL), special education, and social emotional learning curriculum (SEL). Additionally, it was beneficial to observe a variety of district policies and how those policies impacted the schools and, most importantly, affected student growth and learning. This enables me to think more critically about how my own children are taught and what a quality education, with engaged learners, looks like. 

Bringing the community together:

When I first moved here, my immediate priority was to become an engaged member of the community. The first step towards that was joining the Acton-Boxborough Family Network and, subsequently, becoming a board member. Serving as playgroup coordinator, I immensely enjoyed introducing new-to-the-area parents and caregivers to each other. Even though the advertised goal is for the playgroups to foster friendships amongst the littles, they also help parents and caregivers form new support networks as they navigate life in a new town.

As we, as a family, acclimated to life in a new town, we were incredibly fortunate to have found a wonderful Girl Scout troop for my oldest daughter. As the first aider and assistant to the troop leaders, I am often a witness to, and in awe of, how the younger generation is stepping up. Girl Scouts has helped my daughter become an empowered community member- working towards the betterment of her town and greater world.

Serving as Vice President for Conant PTO has been both an incredible joy and honor. Community-building events like Conant Carnival, Breakfast with Families, and our Spelling Bee are just a few of the many ways I have been connecting our school community and fostering stronger relationships between school community families. Additionally, I have had to privilege of being part of joint PTSO meetings for the past couple of years. In these meetings, PTO executives, the SEPAC chair, and a School Committee liaison meet to discuss PTO-hosted community-building events; PTO-funded enrichment activities in the school; and we have the opportunity to ask the School Committee liaison about school district policies and receive guidance on their implementation. As a parent leader in my school community, I have considered the dissemination of information one of the key components of my role. Our schools have very well-educated parents who work hard to ensure the best for their children. Staying apprised of local elections, the school budget, and new district policies can be incredibly time-consuming. Connecting with parents and sharing what I have learned from meetings and research, as part of my role, has been critical for helping families stay attuned to what will impact them.

Last year, I supported the Together for Acton campaign to ensure the passing of the override for the school budget. I hosted a sign in my yard and held signs (simply saying to go vote) with another wonderful PTO member, at the sidewalk edge of our school, to encourage voters to exercise their civic duty. On Election Day, I stood for hours holding a Together for Acton sign outside the polls. As the writer for the PTO newsletter, I have been ensuring the dissemination of critical information about School Committee meetings and providing links for agendas, updates, and budget slides.

Aspirations:

The entire reason I want to run for School Committee is because, as a parent and former educator, I have become increasingly concerned as I have witnessed countless staff reductions and cuts in our schools. Unfortunately, costs are rising, due to inflation, and the annual school budgets cannot keep up. Chapter 70 (state aid) comprises 14.3% of the school budget. Increasing the funding from $100 per student to $150 would result in adding, roughly, a quarter million dollars in additional revenue. This is based on our district having 4,932 students. Requesting an increase in state aid requires all of us to raise our voices, together, and plead with legislators. It is important for everyone to understand that this issue isn’t unique to our school district and many other school districts, across the state, are in a similar situation. I will continue to advocate for our schools and demand more state level responsibility for our children. The current system of school funding is broken and the state needs to step up.

Many of you are already aware of the search for a consultant to guide restructuring. Our budget situation is so dire- it is requires us to rethink how our schools are organized and look beyond what we currently know. This is not a joyful moment and something I want to join the effort of aiding- with a heavy heart. As a parent, it breaks my heart to think of any child having to endure major changes. As a former educator, my heart shatters for any teacher or staff member being let go. I will always advocate for what is best for students, families, and our educators. My hope is have as much parent/caregiver and educator involvement in this process as possible.

If elected, I plan to serve as a conduit for the ideas and thoughts of others. We are so incredibly fortunate to live in a town with such a multitude of skills, talents, and great minds. I will always listen and cast my vote, as a School Committee member, for what serves our school community best. When thinking about what serves us, I will always lean on our values. While our town is beautifully diverse in backgrounds and beliefs, our values are what bring us together. It is our love of learning, the way we celebrate diversity, ensure equity, and provide an inclusive environment that serve the next generation- as we raise future citizens and leaders.