WTA Questionnaire Responses

Questionnaire:

1. What qualifications do you bring to the office?

I’m a parent of students at the high school, middle school (next year), and elementary level; a town resident for over 16 years; knowledgeable in open meeting law and the charge and responsibilities of the School Committee.

2. In your opinion, what is the greatest single challenge facing our school district?

Communication and collaboration between the teachers, administration, Superintendent and the parent and student community.

3. Once elected, what is one priority you intend to work on first? Where would you begin?

At a high level, the purview of the School Committee is to drive district policy, approve the budget, and select the Superintendent. There will be a period of acclimation for me, if elected. I intend to get a better understanding of what the key issues truly are and from there I hope to be able to work with other Committee members to prioritize, confront and resolve issues.

4. What is your perception about the Wayland Teachers Association, its current role and relationship with the district?

The Wayland Teachers Association is a group of hardworking educators. I believe that the Teachers Association has concerns that they feel need to be heard and addressed. I encourage them to cooperatively and professionally raise and work through their concerns with the appropriate individuals or group of individuals. If issues exist that require the involvement of the School Committee then I encourage the School Committee to be as involved as they can be to address the Association’s concerns and ensure that productive communication is occurring to find resolution.

5. How would you encourage the school committee, administration, and the Association to work together?

Open and continued productive communication between the bodies that comprise the Wayland school system is the only way that positive change and growth and resolution of any issues can occur. A collaborative environment where all parties feel comfortable and appreciated is imperative.

6. Describe your leadership style in the decision-making process regarding district policy decisions pertaining to contracts, working conditions, job descriptions, student discipline, evaluations, and safety for example?

The School Committee is charged with setting high-level district policy. The current policy is consistent with supporting positive, harmonious working conditions for personnel. Student discipline serves to restore acceptable behavior and the extent of that discipline is greatly determined by the procedures at the individual school level. I believe I am supportive of the current district policy set by the School Committee.

7. What would you suggest helping the district attract and retain talented educators and staff?

Ensuring that there is a positive community atmosphere within the district and schools where the educators feel both supported and challenged to continue to improve and grow.

8. As a School Committee member, how would you prioritize funding?

A holistic view of financial needs and wants at all levels across the district should assist in ensuring that there is a balanced approach to funding in the budget that the School Committee approves.

9. How would you propose ensuring our school buildings are safe in terms of air, water, and physical safety?

The School Committee must ensure that the budget supports proper maintenance and improvement of the school facilities by working together with the Superintendent, the administration and the town when needed. Having a fiscal plan to appropriately address known building safety concerns is imperative.

10. What is your position regarding due process rights for school employees? Explain.

No individual, regardless of where they are employed, should be deprived of due process. The rights of school employees with respect to due process are governed by MA State Law.

11. If endorsed, what type of support do you want from our local association?

I hope that, regardless of which candidate the WTA endorses or supports, that it is a candidate that prioritizes students and has the best interests of students at the forefront of all decisions. The WTA loves our students and works tirelessly to ensure that Wayland’s students succeed. The only support that I would like to see for the endorsed candidate is one of hope for a more communicative and collaborative process for positive change.