I am running for School Committee because

I believe the foundation of a thriving community lies in the strength of its schools and that the school committee must lead in advocating for our students and teachers. That advocacy includes the responsibility for ensuring that there are resources and support necessary to achieve excellence.

Strong schools start with addressing the academic, emotional, and social needs of every student. The School Committee must secure the resources and support to provide for the educational, emotional and social needs of students.

Student Needs First:

Every student deserves an education that builds on their strengths, addresses their challenges, and unlocks their full potential. Whether it's access to quality instructional materials, tailored learning supports, or opportunities for extracurricular growth, we must ensure that each student receives the support they need to succeed. Equity in education is essential; we must ensure that every student, regardless of background, has equal access to the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive.

Fighting for Resources:

Adequate funding is critical for providing the best education possible. Newton schools have faced chronic underfunding, and, as elected officials, we must advocate for more resources to meet the evolving needs of our students. Strong schools require the resources necessary to create an environment where both students and teachers can thrive. By prioritizing excellence in education, we can ensure our schools have the tools, facilities, and support necessary to foster a learning environment where students excel.  Furthermore, excellence in education means more than strong academics; it also means having robust arts and physical education programs, as well as opportunities for supplementary programming.

Social-Emotional Support:

Strong mental health is necessary for academic achievement. As we confront increasing challenges around student well-being, we must prioritize access to mental health support and counseling services. Every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard. We need to cultivate a school environment that promotes not only academic excellence but also emotional resilience and personal growth. By fostering equity and providing all students with the mental health resources they need, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive both academically and personally.

Rebuilding Trust:

It is vital for all stakeholders that parents and schools partner together to support students.  To do this effectively, we must repair the relationships between families, educators, and elected officials.  Trust and respect has deteriorated to the detriment of all.  Putting children first means that the adults need to work together.

Strong Schools Benefit Everyone:

Strong schools are the backbone of a strong community. They prepare our young people to become informed, compassionate, and capable citizens. When we invest in our schools, we invest in the future of our community, workforce, and society. High-quality education is an investment that benefits us all. By prioritizing both excellence and equity in education, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their highest potential, benefiting not only their future but the future of the entire community.

I bring 20 years of experience in the classroom and as mental health professional to the School Committee.

As a member of the School Committee, my role would be to advocate for our schools and students, ensuring that their needs are heard and addressed at every level. The School Committee serves as a voice for students and teachers within the city, working to secure the resources, policies, and support necessary to create an environment where every student can thrive. By prioritizing excellence, equity and the diverse needs of our students, we can ensure our schools receive the attention and resources they deserve, benefiting not just our students, but the entire community.

 

I will put Students First by:

1. Prioritize Equity and Excellence in Education

We must be committed to fostering both equity and excellence in Newton Public Schools (NPS), understanding that these values are not mutually exclusive but deeply interconnected. True educational excellence cannot be measured by test scores alone—it must include a strong sense of belonging, social-emotional learning (SEL), and the individualized support all students need to thrive. Our schools must reflect the values of our diverse community and ensure every child has access to opportunity and success. I'll champion supporting students' social-emotional needs in a changing world.

2. Rebuild Trust in NPS Through Grassroots Community Engagement

Trust begins with connection. We must rebuild strong, authentic relationships between schools, educators, families, and the wider Newton community. Parents and schools should be partners, working together to meet the needs of students. Adversarial rhetoric only harms children and hinders progress. Newton is rich in community resources—organizations, expertise, cultural assets, and STEAM opportunities. Our schools can serve as hubs to bring these resources together. We support community education forums and intergenerational programming to deepen civic engagement and collaboration. I'll work to rebuild trust between our students, parents, educators, and elected officials.

3. Identify Strategic Investments and Efficiencies to Support the Superintendent’s Vision

Newton schools have faced chronic underfunding, and it is unjust for students to bear the consequences through cuts to essential services. We must make selective, strategic investments and find efficiencies that protect and enhance student outcomes. Our capable and visionary Superintendent has conducted a thorough evaluation of the district and presented a clear path forward. She deserves our full support in implementing a sustainable and student-focused vision for the future of NPS. I will fight for sufficient resources to reverse years of cuts.

4. Return to Interest-Based Bargaining with Educators

We must return to interest-based bargaining with our educators, focusing on collaboration, shared priorities, and putting students first. Teachers want to teach—not strike—and their needs often align with what students need to succeed. The recent strike was preventable and marked by harmful rhetoric that undermined progress. Moving forward, we must prioritize respectful dialogue, rebuild trust with our educators, and commit to solutions that strengthen both teaching and learning in our schools.

 

My motto: Equity AND Excellence

Despite the pressures and crises, NPS are still excellent; but for how long?  Over the years, I've witnessed firsthand, as an educator and a mother, how our schools have been chronically underfunded, how open dialogue has broken down, and how there seems to be a disconnect when addressing the urgent challenges our children face in education. Meanwhile, our kids keep not receiving the support they need to thrive. This is unacceptable.

The challenges our children face today are different from those of the past. They live in an age with unprecedented access to information and misinformation, growing mental health challenges, and an increasingly globalized world.  While people of all ages worry about the future, children need to know that the adults in their lives are working together to support them. We all have a responsibility to make good choices on behalf of our children, as they depend on us. One choice we must make is to support our educators and provide them with the resources they need to help our children thrive.  

Newton is a city with abundant resources, yet we are not fully funding our schools. That is a shame. Many families move to Newton specifically for our public schools, and we could be a shining example of what excellent education looks like. I want to help make it a reality.

Equity and excellence are not opposing forces—they go hand in hand. I strongly believe that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) should be at the heart of our educational mission. We must ensure every child feels that school is “their place,” where they are supported, celebrated, and given the tools they need to succeed. There is no place for hate in our schools.

I loved school, not because I was the best student, but because I knew my teachers cared about me. They knew me, understood me, and were committed to seeing me succeed. I also knew that my parents and teachers were united in that mission. I was also celebrated for who I was; I felt I belonged. This is what every child deserves. I want to ensure every student in Newton feels the same way about their experience at school.

I’ve always believed in the power and necessity of excellent public schools. To me, education is the bedrock of our society. It’s what shapes the future of our children and, in turn, our community.  Local government has the incredible power to shape a community based on shared values. We can demonstrate that we value education, the arts, the environment, every generation, and above all, each and every child. In Newton, we already see these values reflected in our neighborhoods; now, we must make sure that they are present in every aspect of our school system. That’s why I’m running.