Joan is one of three candidates running for two open positions on the Northborough K-8 School Committee.
Why do you want to serve in this position?
As the candidate for the Northborough K-8 School Committee, I am asking for the continued support in my quest to further teamwork and collaboration among educators and community members to assure the best educational “rate of return” for each tax dollar invested for the Northborough K-8 students, educators and schools; address pandemic-era learning loss and its outcomes; to support social and emotional learning (SEL) so that students develop and enhance their social and emotional skills to succeed in school and life; to maintain and advocate for small class sizes and staff to support social and emotional learning; to make sure that both proficient students and those who may have difficulty in learning are provided with the most educational rewarding and challenging experiences; and, to work toward a common vision of educational excellence that delivers the appropriate services to all students through policy implementation and budget development.
What special qualifications and experience will you bring to the office?
The strongest asset that I bring to the position, as a Northborough K-8 School Committee member is 36 years of educational experience coupled with business spirit, organizational skills and strong commitment to serve the communities for the betterment of the Northborough students. As a school committee member I have worked on the following subcommittees: operational and capital budget, strategic planning, policy, curriculum, technology, liaison to Northborough Ed Foundation and liaison to Northborough Senior Citizens. I am a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. Elementary Education and M.Ed. from Salem State University, as a member of Pi Lambda Theta. I am a retired educator with 30 years service, retiring as a Literacy Specialist for Hopkinton Schools. For seven years I served as an appointee to the MCAS Assessment Development Committee (ELA Grades 4 & 5) to assist in the review of reading passages, test questions and scoring rubrics.
Describe one other activity or (sub)committee you’ve been involved with within the town. What has it meant to you and how did it shape and impact the town?
I have served on numerous subcommittees during my tenure as a school committee member but the one that has shaped and impacted the educational system of the Town of Northborough was serving as a member on several Strategic Planning Development Subcommittees. I have found that the three times I served on this subcommittee to be the best match for my personal skill set as the strategic plans formulate the educational goals for the district. The current strategic plan (2020-2026) contains strategic objectives and initiatives to support the mission to “Educate, Inspire and Challenge” the students who attend the 10 schools and three districts as part of one community of learners. It shapes and impact the towns by: (1) implementing instructional practices that engage students through rigorous, innovation and relevant learning experiences; (2) providing all students access to challenging and culturally responsive learning experiences; (3) prioritizing social, emotional and physical well-being of students; (4) demonstrating continual growth through professional collaboration; and (5) developing, supporting and operating sustainable, functional and well-maintained schools. As an educator it gave me great pride to have a pivotal part in planning for the future students of our districts.
Describe THREE key issues/challenges facing the town and how will you address them in this role.
The three issues are: (1) To assure the best educational “rate of return” for each tax dollar invested for the Northborough K-8 Schools; (2) To address pandemic-era learning loss and its outcomes; and (3) To support social and emotional learning (SEL) so that students develop and enhance their social and emotional skills to succeed in school and life.
I would address these three issues through my position as a school committee member on the Northborough K-8 School Committee through good supportive planning that is mindful of the financial constraints of the Town of Northborough and what it can afford. I would maintain and advocate for small class sizes and staff to support social and emotional learning. To advocate to our legislature delegation of Northborough to make sure our schools have fully-funded regional transportation, increase minimum local education and fully fund Circuit Breaker.
Is there anything else that you would like to share about yourself?
My husband, Robert and I are residents of Northborough since 1978 with two children who are the products of the Northborough schools. As a parent I actively volunteered in schools, community and church. The world of education is an integral part of my life. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. Elementary Education and M.Ed. from Salem State University, as a member of Pi Lambda Theta, International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education. My teaching career began in Pennsylvania in 1971 and after relocating to Northborough, I worked for the Massachusetts Department of Education. I am a retired educator with 30 years service, retiring as a Literacy Specialist for Hopkinton Schools. For seven years I served as an appointee to the MCAS Assessment Development Committee (ELA Grades 4 & 5) to assist in the review of reading passages, test questions and scoring rubrics.