Brookline has several contested races ahead of the May 4 municipal election, with voters expected to weigh in on two separate school committee races.
Current committee members David Arenas Pearlman, Jennifer L. Monopoli and Dimitry Anselme are vying for the undisputed three-year school committee seats. However, there are also two candidates vying for an open one-year seat on the committee.
We’ve invited candidates for contested municipal races to introduce themselves and answer a few questions about the positions they hope to hold. Here’s what the two candidates for the one-year school committee seat had to say.
Some answers have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Steven Ehrenberg
Tell us about yourself: who are you? Why are you running? What do you bring to the table?
I am a parent of two children in Lawrence. For 15 years, I have designed and led education programs for global nonprofits, improving access to quality education in places that have suffered trauma and loss, from Afghanistan to Rwanda. I will bring extensive education leadership experience to build a post-pandemic school district that is equitable, inclusive, and excellent.
I have a doctorate in international education from Columbia University. I am an active participant in Brookline’s education system, having served on the Parent Advisory Committee on Educational Equity and Expert Advisory Group #3 to support teachers’ use of technology during the pandemic. https://stevenforbrookline.com/
Good teaching is essential to student (and district) success. What should Brookline do to improve relationships with educators?
Teachers and community members share the common goal of ensuring that all Brookline children receive an excellent education. We need to move the conversation from the negotiating table to conversations about how to shape that education. Civil society organizations and the school council can play a role by organizing and learning from forums that address key topics. These include how to provide socio-emotional support to children returning to class; improving racial equity in education; integrate social studies and science with literacy and math; and developing our green schools and green education initiatives.
Valerie Frias
Tell us about yourself: who are you? Why are you running? What do you bring to the table?
I am the mother of two Driscoll School fifth graders, an attorney, nonprofit leader, and activist, and I am running to use the lessons from 2020-2021 to build a stronger district for our students. , our families and our educators. I will protect school budgets, center diversity, equity and inclusion, expand mental health services, ensure support for special education services and tackle the climate crisis.
As the former executive director of Boston PFLAG (an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization), CEO of a nonprofit, and board member of Brookline SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council), I’m ready for these fights. Learn more here: https://www.valfrias.com/
Good teaching is essential to student (and district) success. What should Brookline do to improve relationships with educators?
World-class schools require investing in educators, including paraprofessionals, counselors and administrators.
From my lived experience, I know that the first step is to create a culture of inclusion and respect: every educator, student and administrator – especially those who identify as AAPI, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC – must feel supported and welcomed.
As the daughter of unionized workers, I believe in collective bargaining and transparency. I am proud to have the endorsement of AG Maura Healey and other progressive leaders, and like her, I would help lead thoughtful discussions and solicit invaluable feedback from educators.
By working together, we can rebuild trust and prepare our students for success.
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