Please list any experience on other boards, committees or organizations.
Keep North Attleboro Beautiful (KNAB), volunteer since 2022; Our Open Umbrella: 2021 volunteer, board member since 2022; Roosevelt Avenue Parent Teacher Group, volunteer since 2019
Why are you running for this position?
I would be honored to be part of the collaborative team working with our students’ and staff’s best interests at heart. I want to continue the forward progress the School Committee has built in collaboration with our superintendent, town manager and Town Council. I want to model for my two girls the type of leadership our world needs more of — people who listen, who look out for others, and who understand that excellence is achieved when we respect and support one another.
If elected, what issues would you like to focus on?
As a School Committee member, I will always advocate for an increased budget. The School Committee and Superintendent Antonucci have built a lot of trust through clear communication of our district’s needs, what drives the operating budget from year to year (salary increases due to contractual obligations, utilities, special education tuition, and maintenance on old buildings), and efforts being made to help offset the budget through alternate funding sources (expanded School Choice, Innovation Pathways grant). Given serious budget constraints the town is facing — Hello, a 15% health insurance hike — advocating for our students and staff will be more crucial than ever.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I’m an artist at heart, and I think this allows me to see challenges through a creative lens. I worked for 10 years at a statewide non-profit serving individuals with Down Syndrome where we had to constantly reprioritize to meet the ever-changing needs of our community, and we had to get creative to meet those needs with limited resources.
I’d like to recognize there is a lot that unifies us three candidates. I’m fortunate to be running alongside Cari and Lyndsey, both positive and professional leaders, and I know we are all fully committed to bright futures for all students.
What are some areas that the town has improved upon and what, in your opinion, remains to be done?
Through education and advocacy, the School Committee and superintendent have strengthened the partnership with our town manager and Town Council. We are seeing proactive steps in addressing the school’s Capital Improvement Program requests (e.g. roofs and boilers) after years and years of deferred maintenance.
I would love to see a greater awareness of the many different talents of our diverse student body. The community knows of our athletes’ achievements, and there is so much more contributing to Big Red Pride. Let’s also champion our student artists and musicians, inventors and engineers.
Being part of a board requires one to be a team player. Does your background lend you to working well in this environment?
During my non-profit career, I worked as part of a small, mission-driven team. It was only through collaboration that we were able to meet the expectations set out by our board of directors and the community we served. I’m excited for the opportunity to join our professional and dedicated School Committee team to continue to build partnerships throughout the town in support of our district’s mission!