I believe in public schools. They are at the heart of every community. Grade school is where most of us make our first friends and learn how to get along with others, even if we don’t always agree. It’s about much more than just the curriculum.

That’s why the behavior displayed at some of our recent Board of Education meetings is tremendously upsetting. Yelling, swearing, and personal insults should never be part of a public meeting, even when speaking of today’s emotional issues. This is especially true when the focus is the education of our children. It is extremely important that those who sit on our BOE are able to conduct themselves in a civil and thoughtful manner. That’s why our municipal elections, held on November 2, are more important than ever before.

I am running for the Nashua Board of Education because my experiences as a mom and an advocate will be a great addition to the Board. I’ve spent the last six years advocating for New Hampshire children and families – especially those with disabilities. I serve on the Gateways Family Support Council in Nashua, and on the NH Council for Youth with Chronic Conditions. I am also a mentor in the Policy Partners training program run by Community Crossroads. I hope I can earn your trust, and your vote. I promise to put Nashua children first, and work hard to ensure that our schools stay strong in the face of any challenge that comes our way.