lcapoccia4wps.com

Why am I running for School Committee?

Watertown is an exceptional community. It has a wealth of cultural diversity, natural and economic resources, access to regional arts, culture, and world-class health and education institutions, plus civic pride and engagement.

I want to ensure that Watertown’s students have the kind of exceptional and equitable educational experience that I know we can provide in this community.

I want to ensure that our district staff and caregiver communities are fully recognized and supported in their critical roles.

Our dedicated school staff and leaders work to the best of their abilities to ensure that high quality teaching and learning happens every day in Watertown. However, our student population and their needs are complex and are changing rapidly. We must continuously examine student needs and adapt to ensure that all students, caregivers, and staff have what’s needed for student success.

I’m running for School Committee because I thoroughly enjoy this work, which is rooted in my strong commitment to equity and my belief in the impact that public education has on our collective future. I believe my positive relationships, my critical thinking skills, and my professional and personal experiences will best benefit the community in a formal School Committee role.

See Priorities page for more.

Photo: Lisa's family at the Watertown Middle School moving on ceremony, June 2023, contributed by Janet Penn

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What is my approach?

How I approach work in community and professional roles:

proactively seek and listen to the perspectives of stakeholders and those with lived experience to inform my position on issues
gather information and data, and review research to inform my own and others’ decision-making
lead by asking critical questions to deepen my own and others’ understanding of an issue or decision
carefully consider my accountability to the people or issues that my actions and decisions may affect
place a high value on proactive communication and transparency
assume the capacity for growth and learning in students, caregivers, staff, leaders, and myself

Current and past work with WPS and in the community

WPS Anti-Bias Coalition member
Watertown Community for Black Lives member, and member and past co-facilitator of the Equity in Schools subgroup
Juneteenth event volunteer (2021 and 2023)
Diversity Council member (Lowell Elementary, Fall 2019 and WMS, 2021–2023)
Caregiver representative on several WPS hiring committees (Community Education Director, WMS Principal, LEDP Coordinator)
Kingian Nonviolence Certification Training participant (2022)
Wayside Multi-Service Center / Wayside Youth and Family Support Network programs
- Volunteer on YRBS report, WPS caregiver education series, and Watertown Youth Coalition (2014–2017)
- Mental health services clinical intern, including school based counseling at WMS and WHS (2017–2018)
Analyses conducted and shared with WPS and municipal leaders:
- Salary review for Instructional Assistant position across comparable districts (February 2023)
- Review of effective policies and models for the recruitment and retention of diverse staff in education (January, 2021)
- Weekly covid trends for Watertown (2020 and 2021)
Public testimony for WPS and the broader Watertown Community on a variety of topics including:
- Equity Audit Results
- Equity Audit Action Plan progress
- Funding for Social Services Resource Specialist position
- WPS covid policies
Extended Day Caregiver Advisory Committee (2017–2018)
WPS Wellness Committee (2017–2018)
Co-developer, with Ellen Cross, of a Hosmer School re-dedication proposal to include Harriet Hosmer, a world-famous sculpture artist, in the school’s history at the re-opening.
Written and/or verbal feedback on the following topics and issues:
- Feedback to the WPS leadership and WPD regarding the opportunity missed with the District’s response to the Origin of Policing video (March 2021)
- 2020/2021 academic year covid re-entry policies / hybrid learning model (August 2020)
Expert Panelist for Middlesex Sheriff / Watertown Gun Safety Presentation at WFPL (April 2013)

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