Why are you running for School Committee?
I am running for the School Committee because I passionately believe that public education is the foundation of our democracy. That idea, expressed in language appropriate to the day, is enshrined in Chapter 5, Section II of the Massachusetts Constitution. I am also deeply committed to the present and future success of Needham as a community for all. I hope my contributions have encouraged friends and neighbors to participate as well. I enjoy the work and am enthusiastic about what we have accomplished and will accomplish together in the next three years.
How have you supported Needham Public Schools in the past? Please give specific examples.
Hiring Dan Gutekanst. I wanted someone to commit to Needham for the long term, grow as a leader and become a great Superintendent. I could not have predicted that he would become recognized as one of the best Superintendents in MA, but he has.
Leveraged my financial expertise to support the Administration in developing sustainable and transparent budgets that meet the needs of the schools and the broader community. We created a more collaborative relationship with the Finance Committee.
Championed the transition to a collaborative approach to collective bargaining. Focused on developing mutual understanding and trust, the result has been a series of fair and sustainable contracts. Every member of the NPS staff contributes to our students’ achievements – they are the foundation of our success.
As Chair, I led the effort to finally bring full-day K to Needham.
My involvement in our major construction projects – Newman, the High School, High Rock, Sunita Williams, and Emery Grover.
What is the most important issue currently facing Needham Public Schools?
Securing community support for rebuilding Pollard. Our 2020 Facilities Master Plan update and the education plans developed by our principals led to our decision that a rebuilt Pollard serving grades 6-8 would best meet our students’ educational needs, preserve a unique 6th grade experience and be the most cost-effective solution for our community. At a critical time in their youth, the re-imagined Pollard experience will ensure our students’ successful transition to high school and adulthood.
How will you advocate for the Pollard project and the November override vote?
I have extensive experience advocating for school override projects. We will build on the success we have had working with the Permanent Public Building Committee in bringing in school construction projects on time and under budget. It is essential to demonstrate that the benefits of the new Pollard School extend to the entire Needham community and will serve us for many years. I will leverage the relationships I have built through my long and varied community service to reach multiple constituencies and generate support.4
What (if anything) would you like to see the School Committee do differently?
I would like us to expand our communication with the community in new and different ways. The Superintendent speaks eloquently and effectively to the school community. The School Committee needs to be as effective communicating with the Town as a whole. In addition to the Superintendent’s communications, the School Committee must make better use of Town’s media outlets and the district’s media and technology resources to increase transparency and facilitate two-way communication.