I am running for School Committee to bring my professional experience in education, my passion for teaching and learning,  and my perspective as a parent to support and improve our schools. We need to inspire the best teaching, help students enjoy the process of learning, develop life-long thinking skills, and maintain the well-being of our children.

Professional Experience and Active Involvement

As a professional and as a parent, I have devoted my life to improving education.  I have professional experience as an educational researcher with a Doctorate in Education from Harvard University, where I studied how students learn and how to foster critical and creative thinking. My research insights could be helpful in forming an educational vision for our schools that enriches student learning.

My active involvement with the schools for nearly 20 years as a parent and volunteer has given me a comprehensive perspective and in-depth knowledge of the entire school system, which is essential for district-wide decision-making. My two children attended elementary, middle, and high school in Lexington and recently graduated from LHS. I have worked with the School Committee, principals, teachers, parents and community groups; volunteered as a parent in schools; have served and continue to actively work on numerous town-wide committees.

• Superintendent Search Committee which led to hiring of Dr. Czajkowski
• LHS & Clarke Site-based School Councils, principal’s advisory group, 8 years
• Ad Hoc Committee for Youth at Risk, key member of School Committee sub-committee studying student stress, and a lead author of its report which outlined recommendations for schools, town, and community. See Full Report
• Steering Committee, Lexington Community Coalition – Youth Initiative, building a community partnership to address stress, mental health, and alcohol/substance use in our youth
• Community Activities – Town Meeting Member, CAAL Executive Committee, and more

On the School Committee

As a School Committee member, I will work with my colleagues to support and strengthen what is best about our excellent schools. We need sound and balanced judgment to address the complex challenges our system faces, such as increasing enrollment, school building projects, demographic changes, and student stress.  I aim to bring a thoughtful, reasoned approach to the issues that is informed by staff and community input.

After being on the Superintendent Search Committee, I established an excellent relationship with our new superintendent, Dr. Czajkowski, and continue working well with her. I have worked directly with all of the current School Committee members and look forward to a productive collaboration with them, if elected.

Priorities:

• I look forward to working with our new superintendent in refining an educational vision that will focus on improving student learning and supporting outstanding teaching.
• I believe we must maintain the educational quality of our schools as enrollment increases, and work diligently  to balance essential space needs with fiscal concerns.
• I am deeply concerned about student stress, have studied the issue in depth, and will continue to champion efforts to reduce stress and promote well-being in our youth.
• We must never lose sight of our main mission which is to educate our children, help them enjoy the process of learning, and develop thinking and learning skills that will carry them throughout their lives.
• I will strive to work in respectful collaboration with my colleagues and to be an active listener who welcomes the views and concerns of the community, parents, staff, and students.

View Eileen’s Lexmedia video interview

click here for Video Interview