Statement

I am running for Lexington’s School Committee to bring changes in these three areas

Academic Excellence

In recent years, academic excellence has faded from the goals of Lexington Public Schools, along with the “Exceeding Expectations” rating. One in three elementary students is reading below grade level, and without homework, kids aren’t developing a strong work ethic. In middle school, the highest grade is “meeting expectations,” and we’ve lost ability-level classes in math and language. At the high school, overcrowding is so severe that electives are replaced with non-instructional study halls.

Academic excellence must be our top priority, with clear metrics for outstanding performance communicated promptly to students and parents. We must return to ability-grouping in core subjects, adopt incremental learning across all grades, and provide necessary resources for each level, including special education. Placement decisions should involve both the school and the family, and teachers should have input on the sections they teach. We should also enhance the life-skills curriculum, covering time-stress management, financial literacy, trades, cultures awareness, community governance, and new technologies.

Accountability & Transparency

Recent years have blurred the roles of the School Committee and Superintendent, leaving the public unsure about who is responsible for what. Too often, academic changes are made without community involvement or support, or a way to provide feedback. The curriculum does not adequately reflect the history and traditions of our diverse, multicultural community. As a result, many parents turn to private schools or tutors for extra support.

We need to restore accountability: the School Committee should be accountable to the public, and the Superintendent to the Committee. We must create an easy way for the community to engage with schools and suggest changes. Communication between schools and the public should be consistent, reliable, and prompt, with clear action plans. The curriculum should reflect parent input and align with their expectations, and transparency is key to building trust between parents and school administration.

Financial Responsibility

The school budget is not effectively supporting our students. Budget freezes and deficits have become routine, disrupting services, particularly for special education and students needing extra help, like in literacy. The School Committee has mishandled the LHS building project, jeopardizing our children’s education. Despite broad support for renewing the high school, the process has led to division and frustration in the community. Overcrowding at LHS has persisted for over a decade, causing large class sizes, a shortage of classrooms and teachers, and fewer electives, all hurting academic performance.

We need sound financial planning that prioritizes quality instruction and efficient learning environments. We must focus on the essentials of education and balance community needs with available resources.

Change is needed, and I am ready to make it happen.