As artificial intelligence evolves, we need to make sure that our policies are reflective both of the ideal world we would like our children to live in, and the world in which they are living right now. I have worked with district administrators on one of the first AI policies for any school district in the state, which should be passed before the end of the summer. Our policy will ensure that students and staff understand what AI is, how it may and may not be used, and how to deal with problems when they arise. Our policy can be updated as the technology and needs of our students and staff change.

Public schools are extremely sesitive to changes in funding. A tiny policy change in Boston or DC can have enormous ripple effects for a small district like ours. In my time on school comittee, I have partnered with members of other communities to ask that the state government more fairly fund small, non-rural districts like ours, by changing the Chapter 70 funding formula, and fully reimbursing charter tuition, transportation, and special education funding. Additionally, I worked with my colleagues on school committee and in the district to successfully sue the Trump Administration after it laid off most of the workforce of the Department of Education, depriving our district of funding and technical assistance. It is part of my responsibility as a school committee member to stay aware of and fight any threat to state and federal funding, and I will continue to do so.

Schools are so much more than just places to learn. Increasingly, public school districts are the front door to all of our anti-poverty programs. 38.9% of our students are considered low income (Source: DESE).  My colleagues and I have worked and have continued to work to make sure that universal school meals are available to all, including during the summer, and I will continue to work to ensure that students and families have access to resources to help them stay healthy and secure in their homes, so that they can focus on learning at school.

All students are entitled to a free and appropriate public education, and should leave school ready to work or continue their education. On the policy subcommittee we passed a policy ensuring that students with significant needs would not be prematurely "graduated" before they had achieved that free and appropriate public education. Our community is stronger when all of our students receive the education that they are entitled to, and I will never allow your student to be seen as just a dollar sign in our district.