My Priorities

They keep families rooted here, build community stability, and strengthen our city overall. I want to make sure our schools are places everyone can be proud of and I believe that means listening, collaborating, and taking real action.

These priorities reflect both my personal and professional experiences—as a former teacher, state-level policy leader, a parent in Somerville Public Schools, and someone deeply engaged in our community. They’re also shaped by the stories, challenges, and hopes shared with me by students, families, educators, and neighbors.

I see this as a living list. As I listen and learn from more of you, these priorities will continue to grow and evolve to reflect the needs of our community.

Even if you don’t have kids in the schools, strong public schools matter.

All Students Deserve the Support They Need to Thrive

Far too often, students aren’t getting the services and supports they’ve been identified to receive and families are left confused, frustrated, or stuck navigating a system that doesn’t work well for them.

I want to:

  • Push for clearer systems of accountability and follow-up when kids are missing services.

  • Make it easier for families to understand their child’s progress, rights, and available supports.

  • Advocate for more equitable and sustainable funding while also pushing for creative, immediate improvements that don’t wait for perfect conditions.

  • Reimagine how we engage students through more project-based learning, critical thinking, and opportunities to be curious, creative, and challenged.

Family Engagement That Bridges Divides

Strong family-school partnerships don’t just happen—they’re built through trust, effort, and accessible communication.

I want to:

  • Create concrete ways for all families, including multilingual and underrepresented families, to be engaged in their child’s learning.

  • Expand opportunities for families to connect across cultural and school lines, not just in moments of crisis or confusion.

  • Make what students are learning more visible and understandable, so parents and caregivers can feel confident and connected to that journey.

Schools That Strengthen Our Whole Community

When our schools are thriving, our neighborhoods are stronger. Families settle in, neighborhoods stay vibrant, and our local economy is stronger. 

I want to:

  • Strengthen partnerships between schools and other city departments like Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Council on Aging, and Libraries to create a more coordinated experience for families.

  • Encourage more collaboration between local businesses, universities, artists, and schools to expand learning beyond the classroom.

  • Build a sense of shared responsibility and pride in our public schools, even among neighbors without kids in the system.