Issues

Excellence in Teaching and Learning

We should have high expectations for our students and teachers, and provide the support to meet them. Somerville schools should be an environment that allows for excellence in teaching and learning every day. I will advocate for funding to give each educator and student the resources they need to succeed.

Safe School Buildings

We must move with urgency to fix and replace aging school building infrastructure–particularly the Winter Hill School and Brown School. I will fight to replace buildings that are falling apart and maintain those that are not.

In thinking about our buildings long term, I support exploring a central middle school or junior high school model of education that would support more focused learning, enrichment, after school activities and meaningful professional development for educators.

Air Quality, Climate Change, Environmental Justice

Our buildings and HVAC systems are crucial in controlling the spread of germs and indoor air pollution through the air. Our students are among the most vulnerable people to air pollution from nearby roadways and airports, which contribute to asthma, depression and anxiety, and other health effects.

As an environmental scientist, I will advocate for air quality monitoring and preparedness. I will also recommend environmental STEM programs to integrate these concepts into hands-on science curricula.

As an organization focused on preparing the next generation for leadership, it is critically important for the schools to be good stewards of the earth and climate, and of our financial bottom line. Yet, schools are often among our least efficient buildings. I will work with city, state, and federal partners to improve the energy- and cost-efficiency of our school buildings.

Finally, environmental justice should be at the center of all our efforts to address these issues. Those communities who bear the greatest cumulative burdens should be made whole first.

Transportation

I believe every child in Somerville schools should have a field trip every year. But during my time serving our community as a PTA leader, I have seen how some of our schools have more funds for field trips and special projects than others. Transportation costs continually rise and this inequity hits hard against some of the kids who would most benefit from educational enrichment opportunities. 

Similarly, Somerville programs like the El Sistema afterschool youth music program are not real options for many of our families because Somerville does not bus its students. I believe all Somerville programs open to K-8 students should also include feasible transportation options to get the kids there without relying on parents for midday transport.

The School Committee has already responded to my advocacy for bus transportation by including it in next year’s budget. I will continue to fight for equal access to transportation across the District.

Out of School Time

There are nearly 5,000 students in the Somerville Public Schools, and each of them deserves options for fun, enriching, and safe activities during out-of-school time to develop their interests and bolster their sense of self and belonging. On School Committee, I will advocate for more options, and better access for all students served by the SPS, including tweens and teens.

Inclusion, Safety, Equity

Each of our students should receive the educational support they need. That means that we must ensure both safety and equity. Inclusive classrooms must be properly staffed to provide that level of support for all students.