My Priorities
- Academic Excellence and Rigor: Every child deserves the opportunity to be appropriately challenged and taught by teachers with high expectations. We also need best-in-class instructional resources (e.g., curriculum) that are evidence-based and supported by robust professional development for our educators.
- Financial Stability and Advocacy for Adequate Funding of NPS: NPS is Newton's crown jewel, yet recent budget allocations have underfunded our schools and risked service cuts as expenses outpace revenues. Labor costs are increasing, pension plan timings are problematic, and Special Education needs are on the rise - all while mayoral budget allocations are constrained. I will work with fellow School Committee members, the Superintendent, and the new Mayor to examine where costs can be more creatively tempered, and identify how more appropriate budget allocations can be achieved while also exploring options ranging from supplementary fundraising to engagement of local business support to tax overrides (only if absolutely necessary).
- Special Education (SpEd): Newton has become a destination city for families with exceptional children. There is, however, still room to improve and ensure equitable access to a rigorous, quality education for all, both in terms of academic excellence and in terms of social-emotional learning.
- Data-Driven and Research-Informed Decision Making: Mixed level classrooms have become a point of contention in recent times. Decisions on how to proceed should be based on the data on outcomes and experiences of all key stakeholders while factoring in a nuanced understanding of relevant research. (Currently, I am wary of mixed level classrooms in STEM and World Languages; I want to see 2024-2025 school year data on the impacts on ELA where mixed level classrooms might have more potential - but only if the proper supports for our teachers are provided. It is critical that we are able to close achievement gaps, but not by holding back our higher performers.) Also, classroom sizes should not be rapidly expanded, and decisions on proper student-to-teacher ratios should be informed by research.
- Innovation: NPS has the opportunity to continue to lead and become more efficient through innovation. AI technologies enable the faster creation of IEPs and support practice of reading text with real-time feedback. Newer models of teaching and classroom design allow for more engaging and effective education. The central district office may also be able to tap into free talent with fellows from top education schools in the region, expanding capacity with little to no cost. It's time for more creative thinking and innovation to support the best possible outcomes for our children.
- Communication and Transparency: Last, but certainly not least, it is critical that Newtonians receive accurate and timely information regarding the status of NPS schools and that two-way communication between NPS and the Newton community is frequent and clear.