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.
Please describe your experiences with special education.
Whenever I talk about special education programs, I remind people that the skills and practices that our teachers learn in support of special education students enhances the learning of all students.
During my early years on the School Committee, the Needham Finance Committee was voicing concerns about the cost of Special Ed. Bringing my finance experience to my role as finance liaison, we were successful in demonstrating the importance of SPED funding, and our commitment to delivering necessary services in the most cost-effective way. We did this by giving them a clear outline of how the costs were determined and what they represented.
Over time we gained the support of FinCom for implementing local programs that would help us bring students back to district or keep students in district who would have otherwise had to go out-of-district. We have worked with our state legislators to advocate for changes to how out-of-district tuitions are set, and for additional support for transportation. The limited number of firms providing out of district transportation has proved challenging financially and in ensuring the best service possible.
We have focused on developing in-house programs that could meet the needs of more students here in Needham. These include the early learning programs such as the Intensive Learning Center (ILC) and the Integrated Preschool, which brings together children of different abilities to enhance skills in the crucial early years. We have developed skills centers and specialized centers throughout the system.
I am a strong supporter of Social and Emotional Learning because it enhances the experience for all students. Providing support for the mental and emotional well-being of every student is critical to learning, especially for students with additional personal and learning challenges.
As a parent and friend, I have had personal experience of the complexity of the process, and how important it is to find the right match of services for our children
What concerns do you have about how special education students are supported in our district?
I am most concerned that we have the resources and the well-trained staff to provide each family the compassionate, personal engagement that they need at a very stressful time in parenthood. As a School Committee member, our most direct impact on that is through the budget, by advocating for services and resources that help us achieve that goal.
In the Needham Public Schools nearly 1 in 5 of the student body receives special education services. What are some of your ideas to help close the achievement gap for students receiving special education services relative to all students?
This is one of the most challenging issues we face. The overall level of resources is important, but supporting and encouraging staff to explore innovative approaches is important as well. Both focused pull-out services and effective inclusion are needed. Replicating creative and proven inclusion strategies can help us reach more children, more effectively.
EmPowerEd conducted a review of NPS’s Intensive Learning Center (ILC) in April 2025. DESE is conducting an Integrated Monitoring Review of NPS in March 2026, a full district review that assesses if Needham is meeting special education and equal access state standards. It would be helpful to understand what role you think SEPAC should play in reviews like these?
Beyond any statutory role set by external agencies, it is important to engage with SEPAC in planning the reviews so that the reviews incorporate a full range of voices to capture the experience of parents and students throughout the program. SEPAC is an invaluable resource as the schools assess the findings and plan responses.
What do you think about the Pollard Project? How will the new Pollard change the experience of special education students?
Securing support from the entire Needham community for the Pollard rebuilding project is the most urgent priority for the School Committee between now and the November override vote. 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. For special education students, having the 6th through 8th grades together will mean one less transition on that journey. Teachers, counselors and support staff will be better able to coordinate and provide continuity of support for special education students across the three years of their middle school experience. The new Pollard will incorporate new and additional facilities to more effectively deliver special education services.