SPS
SUES
for
Election Monday!March 31
Campaign Highlights
Exercise your right to vote in the Sudbury Town Election on March 31! All precincts will cast their votes at the Fairbank Center between 7 AM and 8 PM. This page provides concise insights into the most discussed campaign issues for the Sudbury School Committee. While I encourage you to explore the rest of my site, this section is perfect for those with limited time, offering the essential information you need to make an informed decision at the polls.
Uniquely Qualified
As a mother of two young children entering Sudbury Public Schools, I bring an underrepresented perspective to the current School Committee. I am vested in the long-term success of our schools.
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I am the Director of Policy, Procedure, and Governance at a national CPA and consulting firm, where I develop, implement, and update policies. This expertise aligns with the policy-setting duties of the School Committee.
With 20 years as a CPA, specializing in financial audits and business consulting, my experience is relevant to the financial responsibilities of Sudbury School Committee, including budget review and approval, collective bargaining, and capital planning. My eight years in business consulting have honed my ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders, a skill that will benefit the committee.
Additionally, growing up with a mother who was a public-school kindergarten teacher has instilled in me the importance of fostering a supportive educational environment.​​​
Class Size
Our classrooms must stay centered on students and support inclusive education, which can’t be achieved by simply tallying school rooms. I urge the creation of a working group to re-evaluate class size policies by assessing individual student requirements for each grade and classroom instead of following fixed numerical targets. The future requires us to center our approach on students while remaining flexible instead of following outdated guidelines from ten years ago.
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With 14 classes over guidance this year and 5 predicted for next, it is easy to see why the community is concerned about class size. In this election two approaches to addressing this have emerged: capacity planning versus what I am advocating for – student-centered optimization. In 2018, an Elementary Schools Space Utilization Study was conducted. We need to move beyond utilization and prioritize optimization by putting students first. This means adapting class size guidelines to ensure the success of all learners, from those needing support to accelerated learners and everyone in between.
Afterschool Care
Sudbury families require dependable after-school care services and enrichment programs. SPS already offers, through its out-of-school-time programming, an after-school care provider at each of its schools. I will advocate for SPS to also offer enrichment programming after school through a structured RFP process which prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and equity. Let’s use the available building space to provide additional opportunities to promote academic achievement and social skills, while supporting families and making money.
Curriculum
I believe that SPS needs high-quality curricula for academic excellence. If elected, I will advocate for universal design of learning to be front and center as well as timelier internal and external curriculum reviews so we no longer have delays in adopting new curriculum. I will advocate for the operating budget to have money for such reviews and purchasing of curriculum.
Connectedness
Sadly, there are many stories about bullying at our schools. While I agree we should strengthen professional development of SPS staff, a School Committee member cannot wipe their hands clean and leave the responsibility to the administration to figure out unsupported. I will advocate for strengthening policies to better support an inclusive environment and push for listening sessions to hear parent feedback. I’ll also work closely with the administration to ensure they have the tools they need to improve school connectedness.
Budget
We need a One Community approach to budgeting, that will promote unity not division among cost centers. Public safety, infrastructure, schools, recreation, and other essential services are critical to the well-being of our community. Our town functions best when we work together. If elected, I will work collaboratively with all cost centers for a united Sudbury.
Hybrid Meetings/ Communication
I believe that improving transparency and ensuring two-way communication, which is part of the Sudbury School Committee’s role, is critical to achieve better access for the community and the elected members. Therefore, I advocate for a change in policy to ensure remote and hybrid meetings as opposed to keeping the same format.