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As the election approaches on Monday, I want to express my gratitude to everyone I’ve met during this campaign. I sincerely appreciate the conversations, support, and the opportunity to share my vision for the Sudbury School Committee.
If elected, I will continue to seek input from the community and ensure transparency in decision-making.
This is why I have outlined my positions on issues that matter most to you:
Why I am Running for Sudbury School Committee: Let’s Get To Work (here)
Public education is not just a way to learn – it is something I value and believe in.
Reassessing Class Size: Moving Beyond Capacity Studies to Focus on Student Needs and Educational Excellence (here)
With 14 classes over guidance this year and 5 predicted for next, it is easy to see why the community is concerned about class size. In this election two approaches to addressing this have emerged: capacity planning versus what I am advocating for – student-centered optimization. In 2018, an Elementary Schools Space Utilization Study was conducted. We need to move beyond utilization and prioritize optimization by putting students first. This means adapting class size guidelines to ensure the success of all learners, from those needing support to accelerated learners and everyone in between.
The Importance of Establishing a Working Group on Class Sizes in SPS (here)
Our classrooms must stay centered on students and support inclusive education, which can’t be achieved by simply tallying school rooms. I urge the creation of a working group to re-evaluate class size policies by assessing individual student requirements for each grade and classroom instead of following fixed numerical targets. The future requires us to center our approach on students while remaining flexible instead of following outdated guidelines from ten years ago.
Improving After-School Care in Sudbury (here)
Sudbury families require dependable after-school care services and enrichment programs. SPS already offers, through its out-of-school-time programming, an after-school care provider at each of its schools. I will advocate for SPS to also offer enrichment programming after school through a structured RFP process which prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and equity. Let’s use the available building space to provide additional opportunities to promote academic achievement and social skills, while supporting families and making money.
Setting the Record Straight About the Budget (here)
We need a One Community approach to budgeting, that will promote unity not division among cost centers. Public safety, infrastructure, schools, recreation, and other essential services are critical to the well-being of our community. Our town functions best when we work together. If elected, I will work collaboratively with all cost centers for a united Sudbury.
The Importance of Hybrid and Remote Meetings in Public Governance (here)
I believe that improving transparency and ensuring two-way communication, which is part of the Sudbury School Committee’s role, is critical to achieve better access for the community and the elected members. Therefore, I advocate for a change in policy to ensure remote and hybrid meetings as opposed to keeping the same format (LWV Forum, 26.08).
Strengthening Sudbury Public School’s Curriculum (here)
I believe that SPS needs high-quality curricula for academic excellence. If elected, I will advocate for universal design of learning to be front and center as well as timelier internal and external curriculum reviews so we no longer have delays in adopting new curriculum. I will advocate for the operating budget to have money for such reviews and purchasing of curriculum.
Belonging: A Case for Intentional Actions to Improve School Connectedness (here)
Sadly, there are many stories about bullying at our schools. While I agree we should strengthen professional development of SPS staff, a School Committee member cannot wipe their hands clean and leave the responsibility to the administration to figure out unsupported. I will advocate for strengthening policies to better support an inclusive environment and push for listening sessions to hear parent feedback. I’ll also work closely with the administration to ensure they have the tools they need to improve school connectedness.
Q&A with Betsy Sues, SPS Candidate (here)
My Priorities & Platform (here)
I would also like to thank those in the community who have submitted endorsements of my candidacy, including Len Simon (here), Mary Stephens (here), Sudbury for Digital Balance (here), Marielle Heaton (here), Megan Allison (here), and Sheila Pundit (here).
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I hope I’ve earned your vote for the 2-year Sudbury School Committee seat on Monday, March 31st.