Why I'm Running in 2025

Three years ago when running for reelection I reflected on Winchester's increasing political polarization following the pandemic.  Though this divide still exists today, I still believe that when it comes to our schools, there is so much we actually agree on and can accomplish together.  Those who know me and my work appreciate that I am not motivated by politics-- ever.  My goals last election were to help the district emerge from the pandemic in a strong position with much-needed new hires and to quickly get our focus on the most important priorities and lay the groundwork for a long term strategic plan.  In 2022 I was working with an Interim Superintendent, Interim Finance Director, Interim Town Manager, four-fifths of a Select Board, and a School Committee which saw two members serve only one term in the midst of a public health crisis.  Key committees like Capital Planning and FinCom had similarly seen significant turnover and– with this– helpful perspective and institutional knowledge was lost.  Some measure of change is always good.  Too much is not. 

Today the turnover has slowed (a good thing) and while I'm pleased with what we have accomplished, our larger goals take more time, whether they be funding and advocacy, reorganization and hiring, changes in professional culture, or the ideation and construction of school projects.  I have enjoyed being a part of these processes and welcome the opportunity to continue to be a team member with the district-- supportive as I can be but challenging and tough when necessary.  I believe I bring an analytical and fair-minded approach to district goals and challenges and am always willing to consider an alternative point of view.  I welcome input, concerns and thoughtful suggestions from parents and students alike on issues that matter to them, be they curriculum, budget, sports, facilities, our schedule of courses or grading & GPA scales.

On the New Muraco, I feel a strong desire to return to School Committee to help develop a project vision with a design, community support and funding.  The Muraco community-- of which I am part-- has been very patient over the years as we watched the construction of a new V-O, a new WHS, an expanded McCall Middle School and now the New Lynch.  I have been deeply involved and committed to Muraco's needs over the years, from the 2009 interior renovations, co-authoring our Statements of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) in 2017 through 2019, and helping to develop the Muraco Life Extension Plan with Select Board support.  This plan, funded by debt-exclusion override in the Spring of 2021, allocated $3.6M for Muraco's most urgent needs, not as a long term solution but specifically to extend the life of the building until a replacement is underway between 2028 and 2030.  This is doable.  We have just completed Phase I of our updated WPS School Facilities Master Plan with enrollment projections for the next 5-10 years and will next move into the architectural master planning phase.  I want to keep this ball rolling and help us make good on a New Muraco between 2028 and 2030.

It would be an honor to serve Winchester for another three years.