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As a former Sudbury School Committee member and current Select Board member, I bring a unique and experienced perspective to the challenges and opportunities of expanding after-school care in Sudbury. I understand the system from both sides and have consistently used my position to advocate for equitable, accessible, and enriching programming for all families.
While the School Committee holds primary responsibility for overseeing after-school care in our public schools, this is a town-wide issue that affects the daily lives of families and deserves shared attention. Sudbury Extended Day (SED) has long been a valued partner to our schools and families, working tirelessly to meet growing demand. They are actively expanding programming and staff to address long waitlists, but the need still exceeds the current capacity.
I strongly support the expansion of after-school care because I believe it is essential to family well-being and economic equity—especially for women and mothers. As I’ve stated publicly during Select Board meetings, limited after-school options disproportionately impact women’s ability to work and advance their careers. When after-school care falls short, families suffer.
Inclusivity must be at the heart of this conversation. Every family in Sudbury deserves access to after-school care, including those with children who have disabilities. I’ve heard from families who’ve been denied access due to these challenges. That is unacceptable, and we must speak out clearly against this kind of exclusion. Our values demand better.
Over the past year, I’ve actively championed solutions to address this growing need. I’ve raised the possibility of using the Fairbank Community Center as a hub for inclusive programming, and I’ve advocated for exploring partnerships with third-party providers like the YMCA. While the Select Board doesn’t have jurisdiction over the School Committee, we can and should collaborate. The School Committee can expand its offerings by issuing its own RFP for inclusive after-school services that complement and build on the important work of SED.
On the Select Board, I have also pushed for stronger support of Park & Recreation. With appropriate staffing and funding, Park & Rec could play a larger role in meeting after-school needs. I’ve also encouraged us to consider all community assets—including local houses of worship—as part of a comprehensive, town-wide solution.
I strongly support the Park & Recreation Commission’s recommendation to create a Town Manager’s Working Group dedicated to this issue. Bringing together the schools, Select Board, Park & Rec, community partners, and parents will give us the structure and collaboration we need to make progress.
I believe that Sudbury can meet this challenge—together. There is no problem we can’t solve when we approach it with goodwill, collaboration, and a shared commitment to equity.
If re-elected to the Select Board, I will continue to champion expanded, inclusive, and accessible after-school care for all Sudbury families. Our children, our families, and our values deserve nothing less.
Lisa Kouchakdjian