MY PLATFORM
I have shared some examples of how I believe I have done work in advancing the district position in the past 3 years, as well as my commitment to advance the Committee's work in two areas:
Fiscal Responsibility & Accountability and Policy & Student Achievement
I have demonstrated my commitment to the ongoing fiscal due diligence required of a member of the Tewksbury School Committee by:
Working closely with the Superintendent and Business Manager throughout each year of the budget planning process
Questioned when decisions were made that require the re-allocation of resources
Supported the work of the district to maintain a level-funded budget that prioritizes district goals
As chair I requested the Business Manager share with the Committee a quarterly financial report.
With Committee support this was initiated.
This practice has provided the Committee the opportunity to check-in with real time spending and allocation throughout the year.
These discussions allow the Committee to speak with both the Business Manager and the Superintendent in open forum
This has made the district budget more transparent to the community
I am committed to the district funds being used to support district goals
I am proud of the successful opening of the Center Elementary School. All operational costs, followed by the balancing of unforeseen expenditures were executed on budget and on time.
As a lifelong resident of Tewksbury I know what the financial impacts our schools can have on Tewksbury residents.
With fluctuating student enrollment I will remain engaged and open to solutions that maintain educational programming.
This is a current ongoing conversation in meetings with the current Committee and Administration. If I am re-elected I will advocate for this to remain a top priority
I will continue to support decisions that prioritize students and learning and enrichment opportunities
I am in support of a town wide building committee that will focus on long term future allocation of building resources that will meet the needs of students.
I will continue to encourage the district to offer high quality educational opportunities that are competitive. I am thrilled to see these programs grow, I will continue to champion funding and the search for grant supports.
Administration has introduced innovative programs that are aligned with the real needs of high school students
I have championed these programs, encouraged innovative opportunities and supported career based learning options for students, and I will continue to support them in the budget
I will continue to negotiate in good faith with all bargaining groups in the TPS school district.
It has been my priority to build working relationships, being collaborative and respectful of the superintendents, administrators, union leaders, teachers, and staff
Work to balance the needs of the district with those of the bargaining groups that best benefits students
I will be diligent and mindful of the interests of the taxpayers and community members.
As a member on the School Committee negotiating teams I have proven that I am open to listening to all interests and concerns
Currently the Committee is participating in open negotiations with the TTA (Tewksbury Teachers Association). I support this process in hopes it will ensure transparency, accountability, and democracy so that both parties can ratify an agreement well in advance of the current contracts expiration.
Policy & Student Achievement
How I will continue to support the Administration and Educators in Tewksbury
Continue my commitment to the process of reviewing and updating School Committee policies that ensure consistency with state law and statewide goals and standards.
Prioritize my decision making based on how policies can impact student achievement.
Continue the practice of considering the needs of all students and all staff. And work to assure all students feel they are reflected in district policies.
Make informed decisions. To work with the Superintendent and Administration and request feedback from all stakeholders.
With the approval of Student Handbooks I will be reflective of how the operational procedures impact students and staff.
I am proud of my contributions serving on the Committee's policy review sub-committee, I am eager to continue this work.
Advocate to support teachers so that they have the capacity to differentiate their teaching. So that all students have the opportunity to meet their highest potential.
Advocate for differentiated professional development when possible, to provide educators with more learning and tools to meet the needs of all students.
Questions? Email me at Garabedian4Tewksbury@gmail.com
Why am I running for re-election to the Tewksbury School Committee?
I love the work. I am qualified and I have proven my dedication and commitment. I want to continue my dedicated efforts. Prioritizing my support and encouragement of district initiatives that improve student achievement and outcomes for all students.
Do I have children who attend the Tewksbury Public Schools?
Yes. I have three girls: Two children currently at the High school and one at the Wynn.
What issues are important to me?
The continued prioritization of social and emotional learning and support for students and staff.
Assuring students and staff feel safe and included in the schools.
Application of proven methods to evaluate and measure student achievement and improve outcomes for all learners.
Advocating for advancing the work to further open and transparent communication from the district and School Committee.
Staff professional development and satisfaction.
School Committee accountability.
Programming at the Highschool that best will prepare students for graduation and post-graduation life choices.
Accountability to special education data, reports, and progress. Assuring areas of need are addressed and re-evaluated appropriately.
What has prepared me to serve a second term on the school committee?
My qualifications:
3 years of service on the Tewksbury School Committee, 2 years as Chair, 1 year as the Clerk
Chair of the Superintendent search committee and participated in the hiring of our current Superintendent in 2022
Member on multiple new hire committees: Elementary level educators, building administrators, and the current Assistant Superintendent
Community member on the TPS Covid District Task Force
PAC co-chair Wynn School, PAC Secretary, Ryan School, PAC Co-Chair and board member Heath Brook/Trahan Schools, School Council, Heath Brook & Ryan Schools
2 years service as Vice Chair, Tewksbury North & Trahan School Reuse Committee
Professionally, my 20-plus years of experience as an ER nurse have trained me to listen, weigh options, and examine issues from all points of view before making decisions.
My thoughts on the district’s programs for special education students, English language learners and gifted students.
I will continue to support the district in providing equal opportunity to all learners of all abilities. I will continue to advocate for professional development and support for teachers to provide differentiated learning at all levels.
I supported the reorganization of the special education preschool classrooms between the Dewing and Heath Brook Schools.
I support collaborative efforts and open communication between the district, the School Committee, and The Special Education PAC.
I support the initiatives the district has implored as the number of English language learners has grown and will continue to advocate for comprehensive support for the staff and students.
I will advocate for the exploration and development of more offerings and differentiation for high level achievers at all levels.
How can the School Committee be more accessible to the community?
I support School Committee office hours or coffee sessions should it be of interest to the entire Committee.
Ways that I have participated in School Committee Professional Development?
MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees)
Member on the MASC Board of Directors
District Division 1 Chair; present
Secretary District DIvision 1; 2021-2023
Legislative Action Committee member; 2022- present
Delegate, MASC Delegate Assembly; 2021
New member orientation, Charting the Course; 2021
Annual MASC/MASS conference for professional development 2021, 22, 23
Nominating Committee for MASC leadership 2023
Ways that I have supported a stronger Committee.
I supported the Committee's initiation of goal setting with regular review and evaluation of the work that the committee is doing
As Chair I assured that we had meeting time to discuss goal setting and ethics in open session
I support continued accountability for the School Committee members to continually review yearly goals and adhere to the defined ethics and responsibilities