After-school programs are essential After-school programs are not just helpful—they’re essential. They provide a safe, enriching environment for children and peace of mind for working parents. In a town like Sudbury, where families deeply value education and community, strong after-school options are a necessity. When my children were in elementary and middle school, my…

In discussions and emails with community members, I have heard distressing stories about incidents of bullying and harassment in our schools.  The targeted students report not feeling supported by adults at school, disciplinary actions that students feel target the victim, and not wanting to attend school.  These feelings are borne out in the results of…

I have had an opportunity to talk with many residents about their concerns and their hopes for our town. I want to take a moment to talk to you about something that is on the mind of many of our friends and neighbors, specifically, the upcoming proposal at Town Meeting, Article 46. This proposal, while…

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. …

As I have observed the candidates for the many Boards and Committees, I have noticed a difference in the types of candidates running.  One; there appears to be a group effort to normalize misinformation, to make it appear our community is run by the likes of Nosferatu. These individuals have produced negative campaigns…

The pandemic reshaped how we work, communicate, and govern, making remote and hybrid meetings essential for maintaining public engagement and participation. Recognizing this, Massachusetts lawmakers have worked to extend provisions allowing public bodies to continue offering virtual access. Recently, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced a bill (MMA bill overview here) extending these measures…

I am writing to endorse Betsy Sues for a seat on the Sudbury Public Schools Committee.  Without question the Sudbury Public Schools Committee is in need of new faces, new ideas, and a respectful attitude towards Sudbury parents and children.  The Committee’s handling of extended day, the food service, facilities maintenance, the contract with…

Understanding School Connectedness School connectedness is the quality of students' engagement with their peers, teachers, and learning environment. While it is crucial for achieving optimal student outcomes, the desire for connection goes beyond academics. It is about creating a sense of safety and security, fostering an environment where students can develop a passion for learning,…

Four years ago, my family chose Sudbury for its values of inclusion, equity, and collaboration. In our previous town, I fought tirelessly for accessible playgrounds, only to face resistance and even hostility. That experience made me realize just how crucial local elections are in shaping the values of a community. It also made me question…

An experienced, collaborative leader with a history of showing up for Sudbury’s students, parents, teachers and taxpayers.  We are thrilled to heartily offer our endorsement of Allison Vanderels for Sudbury School Committee. We’ve both known Allison for many years, having met her and her family when our current middle schoolers all began Haynes School together.…