I have been involved in our school district for the last 12 years, beginning when my oldest entered kindergarten - starting as a classroom helper and PTO mom. I now have 2 kids in BWRSD and experience in 5 district schools. I have spent the last 4 years learning the intricacies of the Bristol Warren Regional School District and it is a steep learning curve. I accepted the role of Treasurer 2 years ago so that Warren would have a better economic voice on the board. In the short time I have been involved in the school committee, I have worked towards honesty and open communication with our district. This includes attending PTO meetings to spread the word as to School Committee functions, advocating on behalf of HC for parity amongst elementary schools, launching a “green” initiative with school committee paperwork and being a watchdog for back room politics. My biggest role is the attempt to resolve the funding formula and provide equity with Warren’s contribution. I have attended nearly every JFC meeting in the last 10 years and the dissension amongst our member towns is truly something I strive to resolve. To that end, I have advocated a dialogue between the two towns and the school department with open invitations to budget meetings, task force committees and meetings with town administration to find cost savings efficiencies. My driving force is to resolve this so that our school district can continue to thrive and grown.
I have worked hard in this district as a volunteer to provide programs for our children that do not cost the tax payer any additional money. I have given countless volunteer hours even before my school committee tenure to our district schools. This is my passion - I want to provide the best public education we can afford - for my kids and for yours.
Ideas for the future:
Revisit the enabling legislation every 10 years as our educational and municipal needs change.
Create a liaison position between the two towns and the school committee
Continue to research and resolve equitable funding practices through the JFC Task Force.
Continue to fight for our sole elementary school and ensure parity across the district. Ensure high standards and clear communication in our middle and high school - not just as a school committee member but as an active participant in PTOs, Boosters, SIT teams and Parent’s Advisory Committees.
Relevant Experience:
Treasurer - Bristol Warren Regional School Committee
Secretary - Joint Finance Committee Task Force
Secretary/President - Reynolds Arts Magnet School
Member - BWRSD Budget Task Force - Future Enrollment and Facilities
School Improvement Team - Reynolds, Colt/Andrews, Hugh Cole, KMS
Member/PTO - Colt/Andrews, Hugh Cole
Volunteer Coordinator - KMS PTO
Parent’s Advisory Committee - Kickemuit Middle School
Founder - Introduction to Running Program, Reynolds and Hugh Cole
Co-Founder - Angie Dolan Wellness Center at KMS
Director - KMS Boys and Girls Lacrosse Program
Co-Race Director - BWEF Food Truck 5k
Treasurer - Friends of Wildcats Athletics
Guided Reading Library Coordinator - Colt/Andrews
Volunteer Professional Liaison - Junior Achievement
