Laura’s Priorities

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging

Our schools must be places where every student feels they belong and has access to the opportunities they need to thrive.

During my first term, I supported policy updates to better reflect Arlington’s values around equity and inclusion and advocated for investments that directly support students across the district.

Moving forward, I will continue to:

• Ensure resources are allocated thoughtfully and equitably across schools and student populations

• Support high-quality professional development so educators are equipped to serve racially, culturally, linguistically, and ability-diverse learners

• Strengthen recruitment and retention strategies to build a workforce that reflects and supports the diversity of our students

• Advance the district’s strategic plan focus on equity and belonging in measurable, transparent ways

Special Education

Every student is entitled to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. That commitment requires not only compliance with the law, but proactive investment and transparency.

During my first term, I advocated for increased special education funding and greater transparency around special education processes.

I will continue to:

• Support adequate and sustainable funding for special education services

• Advocate for improveda clarity and communication for families navigating the system

Supporting APS faculty, administration, and staff

Strong schools depend on strong educators and staff.

The success of the 2023 override allowed APS to negotiate contracts that brought compensation closer to competitive levels, improving recruitment and retention. That work directly benefits students.

I will continue to:

• Advocate for competitive compensation that supports recruitment and retention

• Support meaningful professional development opportunities

• Promote a workplace culture that respects and sustains educators and staff

Collaboration

School Committee members do not make decisions alone. The strength of our decisions depends on how well we listen - to one another and to our community.

Over the past three years, I’ve worked to build strong, respectful relationships with my fellow School Committee members, district leadership, educators, staff, and families. Especially during difficult budget cycles and complex policy discussions, I’ve prioritized steady collaboration, clear communication, and thoughtful engagement.

As Chair of the Community Relations Subcommittee, I’ve helped strengthen communication between the district and the community, including organizing APS Community Budget Forums to make school finance more accessible and transparent.  If reelected, I will continue to:

• Engage proactively with students, families, educators, and staff

• Foster a culture of respect and collaboration within the School Committee

• Maintain transparent communication about budgets, policies, and long-term planning

• Ensure community voices meaningfully inform district decision-making

Long-term Planning & Fiscal Stewardship

Arlington continues to grow and evolve. Careful planning is essential to maintaining strong schools.  I currently serve as one of the School Committee representatives on the Town’s Long Range Planning Committee and have worked to align school priorities with broader town planning efforts.

This year, I participated in the Long Range Planning Committee’s process to determine a responsible override amount — balancing the very real needs of our schools and town services with the strain additional taxes place on residents. That work required careful analysis, transparency, and a commitment to fiscal prudence.

If the March 28 override passes, we must steward those funds responsibly. If it does not, we will face difficult budget decisions. My experience serving on the School Committee’s Budget Subcommittee for the past two years has prepared me for that possibility. I understand how our budget works in practice and the real-world impact of reductions on students, educators, and families.

If reelected to the School Committee, I will:

• Support implementation of the district’s strategic plan with a focus on long-term sustainability

• Advocate for fiscal responsibility and careful evaluation of new initiatives

• Ensure meaningful opportunities for engagement as we make major facilities and budget decisions

Facilities & Infrastructure

With Arlington High School nearing completion, we are now beginning the important work of planning for the rebuild of Ottoson Middle School.

Modern, well-designed facilities directly affect student learning, accessibility, safety, and community use. I am excited to be part of this next chapter and committed to ensuring that the Ottoson project reflects our district’s values - equity, inclusion, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility.

Major capital projects require transparency, thoughtful collaboration with the community, and close coordination with town leadership. I will work to ensure this process is inclusive, well-managed, and grounded in long-term financial planning.