Meagan Lee, a North Attleborough High School senior and advocate for student engagement, has announced her campaign for School Committee in the upcoming Town Election.
Lee made her announcement official on Feb. 6 through a press release and the launch of her campaign website, which includes a policy page and link for donations and social media.
“North Attleboro’s students deserve a dynamic and inclusive educational experience,” said Lee. “As a student myself, I understand the challenges we face, and I’m committed to addressing them head-on. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant school community.”
The 2024 Town Election will take place on April 2. Along with the School Committee, there will be seats on the Board of Public Works, Park Commission and Board of Electric Commissioners on the ballot.
Lee, 18, is the only student seeking public office in this election so far. School Committee Chair Tasha Buzzell and members Katherine Hobbs and Joe Flahtery are all up for re-election. Buzzell recently announced she intended to seek re-election and has pulled nomination papers from the town clerk’s office. Hobbs and Flaherty have not yet made any announcements regarding the election.
In addition to Lee and Buzzell, former North Attleborough Town Councilor Keith Lapointe and resident Aaron Whirl have also pulled papers to run for the committee.
Lee said her decision to run came from a passion to be involved in civic engagement and educational policy. As a co-chair of the southeastern chapter of the State Student Advisory Council, Lee is responsible for drafting and submitting education policy ideas to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She has also served as the School Committee’s student representative for two terms, providing policy updates from the student’s perspective.
Lee, who is graduating this year, said she intends to enroll in a New England-area college so she can attend meetings and events if elected.
“I have always been passionate and involved about educational policy and the educational side of politics,” Lee said. “The school system has given so much to me and I want to give back.”
On her website, Lee writes that if she were elected to the committee, she would support funding programs that center around mental health, an important matter among students. According to Lee, acknowledging and helping students who are struggling with their mental health is imperative for success both in and out of school. She said the committee and the school district can benefit from someone who has seen and experienced these struggles first-hand.
“We should include student voice in decisions all around the district,” Lee said. “This doesn’t just apply to high school students either; this also includes my sister, who is part of the school system, my friends and my parents.”
While she has worked extensively in the policy side of politics, Lee said her campaign is now focused on fundraising and is “only in the beginning stages.” Lee said she would focus on creating a coalition of voters and will reach out to them by attending public events in person and using social media.
“I have spoken to several people who have been experienced in campaigning,” Lee said. “I think a crucial thing is to visit the senior centers and the nursing homes and community events. We are still just beginning.”
