Reflecting back on my three terms on City Council, I am proud of the work achieved. From responding to a global pandemic, to safer streets, to inclusionary housing, to questioning the status quo, we have undertaken hard work, together. While I am forever grateful for my time served on council, at the end of this year I am ready to move onto the next chapter — and watch our next ward representative step up.
But not feeling done just yet – I plan to put my name forward as a candidate for the Salem School Committee. I am looking forward to embarking on this new challenge and learning more around what is important to the community for their public schools.
When I first ran for office in 2019, while only 6 years ago, feels like a lifetime past. So much has happened globally, to our country, and here in Salem.
Having a unique perspective as both a Salem Public Schools parent and an elected official through it all, I have always been impressed, and invested, in our Public Schools. I am proud to be a supporter and understand the challenges and struggles from multiple points of view, but the most important one to me is as a parent.
Salem Public Schools are on a positive trajectory, and I want to help keep that momentum going.
But there is also uncertainty around, and there will be many important discussions and decisions made in the coming years regarding Salem Public Schools.
Having difficult conversations and engaging with the community with compassion and transparency is paramount to serving the children of Salem and how I have guided my work as a councillor.
I have chosen to make this campaign announcement fairly early in the election season for multiple reasons: to both ensure space for Ward 6 to have robust candidate conversations, as well as to give myself adequate time to learn as much as possible about the School Committee community and position I am seeking and what I can bring to the School Committee Chambers.
See you out there!
