My Campaign Story

I decided to run for School Committee because I saw an opportunity for me to fill a void that has been missing. I believe each School Committee member brings a unique wealth of skills to the team but over the last year, especially during the School Start Times decision, I noticed there was a lack of organization and planning. There were several things that I believe went wrong throughout the process, many of which could have been avoided with a strong plan, defined deliverables from the subcommittee, and proper timelines. As a Project Manager, I was appalled at the lack of organization throughout the entire process. Subcommittee meetings were unorganized, rarely made it past the agenda, and usually resulted in nothing more than arguing and heightened emotions. 

 

Ultimately, the School Committee made a decision based on information that was presented to them just minutes before their vote; information that could have and should have been made available to them months prior from the subcommittee, had there been a plan. The vote left many students and families feeling ignored as it left many questions and concerns unaddressed. 

 

Shortly after the vote, I organized a petition to ask the School Committee to reconsider their vote based on, what I believe, were many oversights. I put together a proposal that I believe better met the needs of the community and met the parameters put forth by the subcommittee. Ultimately, I was told the School Committee was unable to make any reconsiderations due to a contract deadline and a tight-hold from administration. 

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While it is not necessarily my intention to yet again change the school start times, as your representative I would be dedicated to finding efficiencies in our busing system that might allow for later bus pickup times at the elementary level. I would advocate at the state-level for later high school start times to better align Holliston High School's dismissal with our neighbors, allowing for more flexibility in after-school commitments. I would advocate and search for additional after-school childcare options for elementary students. And I will continue to monitor the effects of our school start times on academic outcomes and student's mental and emotional well-being. 

 

The high school schedule change was just as unorganized. Similar to the School Start Times decision, it was largely driven by administration, ignoring voices from the community. The disorganization and unwillingness of administration, teachers and the School Committee members to collaborate and work effectively together, resulted in a significant amount of stress and confusion for students and families. 

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I am dedicated to representing the community. While I plan to work collaboratively with administrators and teachers, ultimately, Holliston families and taxpayers are my constituents and it is my duty to represent the voices within the community. I will make sure your concerns are considered and addressed in meaningful ways. 

 

For years, we have watched tensions rise and disorganization flourish in our schools. From the teacher’s union vote of “no confidence” in our Superintendent to the latest lawsuit the School Committee issued against the teacher’s union and vice versa. 

 

I am running for School Committee because our children deserve better, our community deserves better. They deserve leaders that are willing to put their differences aside and work towards solutions that will allow them to thrive in the Holliston schools and beyond. They deserve someone who has the time and energy to plan, collaborate, and make thoughtful decisions about their future. I believe strong schools are representative of a strong community and I am dedicated to ensuring Holliston schools thrive and continue to make Holliston the flourishing community we love.