School Committee Candidates Q & A

Three candidates — incumbent Laura Arboleda, Kim McCourt and Rachael Wallace — are running for two open seats on the Canton School Committee. All three were asked the following questions:

Why are you running for this position?

Laura Arboleda: I am pursuing re-election to the School Committee so I can continue to give back to the Canton community. I’m committed to working with all members of the committee, school administration, and the greater community. Areas of particular interest to me include nutrition, expansion of multi-language curriculum, and opportunities for academic exploration and rigor.

Kim McCourt: I am running for a number of reasons, the first being my love of education. As an educator myself, I will bring a unique perspective to the School Committee and I intend to be a voice for both students and educators. I also want to work with other members to help facilitate the best possible learning environment for all. Not only am I passionate about education, I also love this town! Canton, holds a special place in my heart. My grandfather was on the CFD; my cousin is on the CFD; my uncle was a member of the CFD; my brother-in-law is a former member of the CPD; and my nana is a loyal member of the Senior Center where she teaches cards to fellow members. Many of my family members have served this town proudly and I hope to do the same.

Rachael Wallace: Growing up in South Boston in a single-parent household, I witnessed social problems in my family and community: poverty, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, domestic violence, housing insecurity, and failing schools. It were these experiences that set the foundation and shaped my strong values around the importance of education and civic responsibility. I am also the parent of a child who receives disability accomodations through the schools. I understand the added burden shouldered by families with these challenges. I would like to use the privilege and voice I have gained, in part thanks to my education in the Canton schools, to help others effectively access our fantastic community resources.

Briefly summarize your educational/professional/service background.

Laura Arboleda: I received a dual undergraduate degree in international relations and Latin American studies from Boston University and completed a master’s program at BU in computer science with a concentration in healthcare informatics. I have since returned to school to pursue executive certifications in leadership from Cornell and Harvard. My professional career has been focused on healthcare innovation and informatics with a particular focus on equity both internationally and domestically. I currently work at Amazon Web Services as a senior executive advisor for Harvard Medical School and the Associated Academic Medical Centers. I have been in public service for over a decade, volunteering at End Violence Against Women and at Canton vaccination clinics throughout the pandemic. I previously served as chair of the Easton Board of Health and currently hold a seat on the Canton School Committee.

Kim McCourt: I’m a graduate of Endicott College where I received a bachelor’s in sport management. I have worked in both public and private education and hold teaching certifications from North American Montessori in early childhood and the state of Mass. in K-8 physical education.

Rachael Wallace: I am a 2004 graduate of Canton High School and studied biology and chemistry at Simmons University. I entered the workforce in research and development at a biotech company. My experience in science education includes the instructional setting as well as an experiential setting. I have been actively involved in community and civic roles throughout my life. Prior to COVID, I enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Since my child started school, I have endeavored to volunteer in the school system, assisting in the classroom and serving on hiring committees (a fantastic and rewarding experience), and as a parent volunteer on the School Wellness Advisory Committee.

What key traits would make you an effective School Committee member?

Laura Arboleda: I bring a collaborative, diplomatic, open minded yet strategic professional experience, which has served me well during my time on the School Committee. I hope to continue to use my diverse perspective to offer opinions and recommendations to the full committee when faced with questions, opportunities and challenges.

Kim McCourt: I know what it’s like to work in the classroom and have experienced the stresses, the highs and the lows firsthand. Secondly, the ability to listen, have open honest and productive conversations that are led with kindness and respect is a skill necessary to be part of the committee and one I feel I embody.

Rachael Wallace: I am very analytical, and I believe that curriculum should be evidence-based, and decision-making data-driven. I have experience in using data to drive effective problem solving, and I understand what it takes to translate curriculum into engaged learning opportunities for children. I know that the role is one of privilege and understand it is the responsibility of committee members to translate that privilege into power for driving effective change and outcomes in the community.

Briefly summarize your philosophy of education.

Laura Arboleda: My philosophy centers around the whole student’s well-being, from nutrition to mental health to academics. I believe that guided exploration and multi-disciplinary opportunities will allow the students to push themselves and provide a window that will open their minds to the unknown and to the art of what can be possible.

Kim McCourt: Education should never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Not every student learns the same and an effective public school system is able to work towards the needs of all students. In addition to academic success, the ability to work with others, accept others, love others, and be a team player is what creates a well-rounded student, and that is the type of education I want for my children and this town.

Rachael Wallace: I believe our community has an obligation to support all children and promote human dignity through equitable access to quality public education.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=106437

Posted by Canton Citizen on Mar 24 2023. Filed under Town Election. Both comments and pings are currently closed.