Education & School Funding

I am committed to addressing the challenges facing public schools across the Norfolk, Middlesex, and Worcester districts by taking a comprehensive approach that prioritizes student needs, fiscal responsibility, and long-term sustainability. Recognizing the impacts of Covid interruptions, declining enrollment and rising educational costs on academic performance, the quality of education and access to extracurricular activities, my plan focuses on restoring essential programs, reducing costs for families, and advocating for a fairer distribution of Chapter 70 funding.

Despite voting against a $6.8 million override in Franklin, which would have temporarily filled a budget gap for schools, I believe public education is instrumental in preparing children to be productive members of society and I attended public school myself.  My decision, however, was rooted in thoughtful fiscal management. Voting no wasn’t about disregarding the needs of our schools—it was about ensuring fiscal responsibility and finding solutions that benefit all residents – many of whom could not afford the tax increase that would have been imposed on them. Rather than opting for a quick tax increases, I advocate for a careful review of spending to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and efficiently. I believe in addressing budget issues at their core, reassessing how funds are allocated, and exploring sustainable solutions that don’t overburden families with additional taxes they cannot afford.

Key Areas of Focus:

Push for Fair Chapter 70 Funding: While recent increases in Chapter 70 funding have been modest, the current formula does not fully reflect the growing costs of educating students, particularly in districts facing declining enrollment. I will advocate for an equitable allocation of state funds that accounts for fixed educational costs and the impacts of redistricting. By working with lawmakers, I will ensure essential programs like Fine Arts and extracurricular activities are preserved and supported.

Reassess Budget Priorities: A thorough reassessment of school budgets is essential to determine where funds can be reallocated without increasing taxes. By prioritizing the most critical programs, we can restore what makes schools in the district exceptional—such as Fine Arts and Athletic programs—while easing the financial burden on families. This includes identifying inefficiencies and ensuring resources are directed where they have the most impact.

Assessing the Impact of Migrant Families: As new families, including migrant families, move into our communities, it’s important to examine how their enrollment affects schools and whether current funding accurately reflects these changes. While it’s essential to provide every child with access to education, we need to ensure that the costs of educating migrant students are properly covered by state and federal support, not solely by local taxpayers. I will advocate for a thorough review of this impact to ensure local resources are not overstretched.

Explore New Funding Sources: To alleviate the pressure on local taxpayers, I support exploring alternative funding options, such as grants, corporate sponsorships, and public-private collaborations. Expanding corporate sponsorship programs and pursuing state and federal grants will help fund critical school programs, ensuring our district's schools remain competitive and financially stable.

Restore a primary focus on English Language Arts, Math and Science:  Across Massachusetts, MCAS performance declined since the school closures and disrupted schedules in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid and have not returned to 2019 levels. I support policies that prioritize a curricular emphasis on building strong foundations in literacy, math and science so that our public schools provide the solid education needed to maximize opportunities for our students and prepare them to excel in all their future endeavors.



Key Points:

• Advocate for a fairer Chapter 70 funding formula that reflects the unique needs of schools across the Norfolk, Middlesex, and Worcester districts, especially in light of program cuts and enrollment changes.

• Prioritize and reassess budget allocations to restore essential programs without increasing the tax burden on families.

• Explore alternative funding options, including corporate sponsorships and grants, to enhance school programs and support students across the district.

• By focusing on these areas, I am dedicated to creating a more fiscally responsible and sustainable future for our schools, ensuring that we can provide the best education for our children while managing the financial needs of our communities.

• Prioritize a curricular emphasis on literacy and math.