My name is Kate and I am running for the two-year School Board term on Town Meeting Day (March 1, 2022)

Education brought me to Vermont as a college student in 2007, and I returned to make South Burlington my home in 2017 because I love this community.  Having studied secondary education and political science at St. Michael’s College, I taught adolescent and adult English Language Learners before my career in health policy. Our classrooms are models of the world around us, and public education is the foundation of democracy. 

I’m queer, and I understand personally how important it is for students with historically oppressed identities to see themselves represented in their education. I also understand as a white person that we have a long way to go to dismantle systemic white supremacy and look forward to working with the new equity policy and Executive Director of Equity in the District.  I will bring a fresh, community perspective, and am committed to listening and learning from all students, staff, parents, and community members. 

I have spent more than a decade working in health policy and advocating for affordable, accessible health care. It is evident now more than ever that our schools need leaders who understand the impact COVID has made on our students’ and our community’s physical, mental, social, and emotional wellbeing. I have followed the budget discussions for the city and school district and am aware of the challenges we face meeting increased student needs and keeping the budget and taxes in check. As the influx of COVID-related funding provides immediate relief, it is critical to engage stakeholders in transparent and sustainable ways to maximize the long-term benefits of one-time funds. 

This is an important moment of transition for South Burlington and for our students. There is no smarter investment than in the educational future of our children. I will be a competent and compassionate leader for this moment and look forward to serving this community on School Board.