Laura’s Priorities

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

In 2023, Arlington’s schools are well positioned for success. But the district is still emerging from the ravages of COVID-19 and must confront the inequities in access to learning laid bare by the pandemic. As a member of the School Committee, Laura will

• make thoughtful and responsible decisions about the allocation of resources so programs, services, and support are equitable across the district

• support the creation and implementation of high-quality professional development for faculty and staff to ensure that they are equipped to welcome, support, and educate the district’s racially, linguistically, culturally, and ability diverse learners

• support recruitment strategies to bring new educators to the district that reflect the racial and cultural diversity of Arlington’s students and families

Special Education

Arlington must prioritize Special Education services for students who experience barriers to learning. The district is legally obligated to provide students with “a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their individual needs.” As a member of the School Committee, Laura will 

• advocate for APS to allocate more resources to Special Education to ensure that every learner can access the education to which they are entitled

Supporting APS faculty, administration, and staff

Teachers, administrators, and staff hold expert knowledge and skills about how to educate children from kindergarten through high school. The ultimate success of the district rests on whether staff are empowered to perform at their highest potential. As a member of the School Committee, Laura will

• advocate for competitive compensation that is commensurate with surrounding districts

• support professional development and training opportunities and workplace culture improvements that nurture, sustain, and retain talented teachers, administrators, and staff

Collaboration

School Committee members do not make decisions alone. As a member and leader of various town committees and commissions, Laura has seen firsthand that the ability of committee members to listen and learn from community members directly affects the quality of their decisions. As a member of the School Committee, Laura will

• actively participate in the culture of respect for Arlington’s racially and culturally diverse residents demonstrated by the current School Committee

• proactively seek to engage with Arlington’s students and families and APS faculty, administrators, and staff on issues of importance to their experiences in APS 

Long-term Planning

Over the last decade, Arlington has seen a 16 percent increase in the overall number of students from 5,020 in 2014 to 5,866 in 2022. This growth demonstrates the health of our community. But it also means we must plan carefully. As a member of the School Committee, Laura will

• support the implementation of the district’s five-year plan

• advocate for Arlington’s longstanding commitment to fiscal responsibility, and assess the efficacy of new initiatives and funding choices

• support meaningful opportunities for engagement in district programs and policy decisions with students and families from all walks of life