Key Positions

Effective and Actionable

In my variety of volunteer roles throughout Lexington and LPS, I have learned so much about the critical issues facing our district and town, and how essential it is to listen carefully to many different viewpoints and think critically before making a decision. I have also gained tremendous insight into our fiscal challenges, and understand the need to be good stewards of our shared resources.

I am acutely aware of our current educational issues, including

  • Lexington High School’s Overcrowding and Building Conditions
  • Increasing Enrollment
  • Student Stress
  • Ongoing Concerns Surrounding Equity and Inclusion

Addressing Building Needs Responsibly

Lexington has faced an extended period of rapid enrollment growth coupled with aging buildings, including some that have been in use long past their recommended lifespan. As a member of the School Master Planning Advisory Committee, I have worked with district and town leaders as well as community representatives to examine enrollment projections, assess the current state of our facilities, and develop a long-term master plan for all school buildings. The next step in the process is to address the building and space needs at Lexington High School. We must prepare to work toward a successful new LHS project that enables our educators and students to thrive while keeping fiscal concerns in mind.

Student Stress

As shown in the initial results of the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, stress is still a very real issue for our middle and high school students. LPS has recently unveiled their new strategic plan which encourages joy in learning and envisions that “Students embrace education as a process where taking risks, making mistakes, and encountering failure are an inherent part of learning.” I fully support our educators in expanding their teaching methodology to strengthen student engagement and ownership over their learning, and encourage educational risk-taking. These initiatives have the potential to build resilience and reduce the unhealthy stress levels that many of our students are facing, while still providing the excellent education for which Lexington is known. During my time on the town’s Mental Health Task Force, I have seen collaborative efforts between the schools and town to address mental health issues in a comprehensive way that will support Lexington’s students and their families both inside and outside our school walls.

Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Prompted by disparities in disciplinary practices that have disproportionately impacted African American/Black students as well as students with disabilities, LPS is currently in the process of an equity audit to uncover the root causes of these disparities and address them in a comprehensive way. I am encouraged by the work that LPS is doing to improve in this area, as outlined in the paper “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Our Call to Action.” All students in Lexington Public Schools deserve a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment where they see themselves reflected in the staff and curriculum, and feel valued as learners and members of their school community. I look forward to working with the district to support these efforts and continue the conversation. We are fortunate that Lexington is a wonderfully diverse community where we can all learn so much from each other.