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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 until June 30, 2027—a step the Sudbury School Committee should embrace.
Why Hybrid and Remote Meetings Matter
1. Increased Public Participation
It is the role of the school committee to keep the community informed about the schools and to keep itself informed about the needs and wishes of the public. Hybrid and remote meetings remove barriers that prevent residents from engaging in local governance. Many community members struggle to attend in-person meetings due to work schedules, childcare responsibilities, lack of transportation, or disabilities. Ensuring remote access to all meetings allows more residents to participate and ensures decisions reflect a broader range of voices.
2. Stronger Representation
Many School Committee meetings have lacked full representation of elected representatives due to the absence of remote participation. Hybrid meetings ensure all elected members can contribute, even when work or family obligations prevent in-person attendance. Limiting remote access not only hinders participation—it may also deter qualified candidates from running, reducing the diversity of voices on the committee. Flexibility strengthens representation, productivity, and the quality of decision-making.
3. Open Meeting Law
It’s important to note that, regardless of whether hybrid and remote meeting provisions are extended, Open Meeting Law (OML Guide here) has always allowed members to participate remotely as long as a quorum is physically present. If elected, I will advocate for all members to have a voice at the table—whether in person or remotely—so that no one is excluded from the decision-making process due to unavoidable circumstances.
4. Transparency and Accountability
Access drives trust. When residents can observe meetings, follow discussions, and provide input without needing to attend in person, transparency increases—and so does confidence in our leaders. The Select Board and Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee already offer remote or hybrid meetings. It’s time for the Sudbury School Committee to do the same.
5. Leveraging Available Technology
Sudbury already has the tools in place to support hybrid meetings. There is no need for significant new investments—just the will to make full use of the systems we have to strengthen communication and decision-making.
The Road Ahead
Extending hybrid and remote meeting policies is a step toward modern, inclusive governance. If elected, I will advocate for Sudbury to take full advantage of this opportunity, ensuring that all voices—regardless of circumstance—are included in shaping our community’s future. Additionally, I will push for a review of Policy BEA (SPS policy here), aiming to implement a structure similar to the Framingham School Committee’s policy (example policy here) on remote and hybrid meetings.
Now is the time to embrace the long-term benefits of hybrid and remote meetings. Let’s move forward with accessibility, engagement, and stronger public participation—not backward.
***This article is part of a series to allow voters insight to what I will advocate for as a SPS School Committee member. I have also written articles on after-school care, curriculum, class-size, and belonging. For more information about my campaign, please visit www.Sues4SPS.com.***