Deb’s Responses to the Northampton SEPAC Questionnaire

On October 10, 2025, the Northampton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) sent a brief questionnaire of four questions to all candidates for Mayor, City Council, and School Committee (including write-in candidates), requesting responses within two weeks. A total of 26 candidates shared their responses. Read Deb’s responses below.

If elected, what actions will you take to support and connect with the SEPAC—to understand the concerns of those caring for students receiving special education services, and to meaningfully engage them?

I will solicit the feedback and concerns of all residents, most especially parents who care for kiddos with Special Education needs, so that I understand what needs are being met and which ones are not being satisfied. I will visit schools and talk with Special Education personnel. I will listen carefully to the School Committee’s recommendations and urge my fellow councilors to support them and make sure they are included in the school budget. My door and email will always be open to SEPAC and to all residents of the city, since I am running for at-large city councilor. I want to establish an email network for those citizens who choose to engage in that manner. I will send out polls on issues to glean the majority’s values and priorities for budgeting purposes. I will invite SEPAC, students and teachers to attend city “town hall” meetings where we can engage in productive dialogue toward getting the schools, and Special Education especially, back on track here in Northampton. I served as a Special Education Social Worker in the New Orleans Public School for 5 years and know about the process and how difficult it can be for parents/caregivers; I would make sure to find resources for anyone who is having trouble navigating those waters.

While we navigate limited state and federal funding, how will you prioritize and fund special education within the city budget?

The current budgeting process in Northampton is upside down: funding capital projects first and then allocating the “leftovers” to the schools and city services. I would attempt, along with my sister councilors, to turn the funding process back the way most towns and cities in the Commonwealth practice: operating budget first (schools and services) with capital projects second. We have a huge case reserve currently – 8th highest in the entire state! the administration acts as though an override will be necessary if we want to fund the schools properly. That is nonsense. We have to correct the budgeting process and strengthen the council so that it is not merely a rubber stamping step for the mayor’s cap projects and overall woeful budget. I would also work with the council to attempt to persuade the State through facts about our city’s population (41% low income and vulnerable) that I hope will add a bit to our city coffers.

If elected, what will you do to address inequities and improve outcomes for high needs children in our district?

See above answer – full funding! Additionally, I would like to create Friends groups for each school of community volunteers who will work to support their school in terms of fundraising for extra activities (e.g., more music, art, dance, drama, sports) and help provide volunteers to work in the classrooms as needed. I am currently a Walking School Bus “driver” for Bridge Street School and know that the process of volunteering in the schools is not an arduous one (i.e., passing the CORI background check); I have heard many neighbors say that they would help in the schools if they only 38 knew what to do and how to be helpful. I would support full funding for school social workers and counselors to help high needs children with their psychological and emotional challenges.

Is there anything else that you’d like the families of SEPAC to know about your candidacy?

I have been pained at the public comments in SC and CC meetings from parents, teachers, paras, and students. That’s what compelled me to run for city council so that I could be of service to the children of my community. I will work tirelessly for them, as I have during my adult life. I was the entire school Volunteer Coordinator for my children’s elementary school and Class Parent for each of their years. I enjoy being involved with our students and would listen to their needs and make sure they and their caregivers have their voices heard by those in power in city government. Thank you for requesting my opinions and statements of my commitment to the children in our community with special needs in schools.