Why am I running for School Committee?
- I want every parent who comes to Brookline for the public schools to close their eyes at night and think, “This is worth it. This is why we’re here.” And I want every resident who doesn’t have kids in our schools to know that Brookline’s most valuable asset is well run and well maintained.
Some of my broad priorities are:
- Investing our limited resources into classroom instruction and student support: student-teacher ratios are more important than ever in our complex classrooms.
- Academic rigor and high standards for all: I want our students to feel engaged, work hard, and take pride in their achievements.
- Schools that are responsive to community needs and values: we need to elevate stakeholder dialog and participation.
- Transparency and Accountability: I’m a stickler for these essentials of good governance because good public process is what keeps people believing in the system, and the system relies on public support.
- Addressing achievement gaps early: (a) literacy is critical for accessing curriculum at all levels, and (b) we should push extra academic support down to our lowest grades in order to address deficits and gaps before they take hold.
Some of my specific interests include:
- Exploring options and promoting concrete plans to restore the K-5 World Language program.
- Maximizing / expanding programs that we know work well at reaching our more vulnerable students, such as the Calculus Project and ‘Scholars’.
- Enhancing middle school through rigorous curriculum, and with more sports, clubs, and other ways for students to engage and build community.
- Maintaining the historic excellence of Brookline High School: rich curricular offerings, high expectations, appropriate levels of challenge and support for all students.
- Having schools that encourage critical thinking and civil discourse.
- Analyzing the School Department budget to understand the purpose of each investment choice.
When I’m on a committee and making decisions:
- I ask great questions - sometimes a lot of them.
- I want facts.
- I consider a range of perspectives.
- I am analytical, not ideological.
- I’m open to re-consideration and changing my mind.
Experience! I’ve been involved for a long time, and I’m extremely well-informed about school matters. This is my authentic interest.
- Master of Education degree from B.U., with a specialization in Literacy, Language and Cultural Studies
- Work with FairTest, the Asian American Civic Association, Jewish Vocational Service, and other education / non-profit organizations
- Three-term Brookline Town Meeting Member, Precinct 16
- Brookline Advisory Committee, appointed to Schools Subcommittee
- Frequent attendee at School Committee’s regular and subcommittee meetings, Town-School Partnership, and other meetings in order to stay informed.
- Community advocate, speaking up for and working on behalf of Hancock Village tenants, school students and parents, neighborhood safety, transportation, and more.