Heather Hala Lord
Why are you running for a seat on the Amherst School Committee?
I am blessed to have served this past year and a half. I am looking forward to continuing my service in deeper ways that stay connected to the community. I work to represent the needs and concerns of those who have historically been excluded and silenced regarding education and other institutions. Amherst School District is doing a lot right and I am encouraged by the work they are engaged in that will advanced equity and inclusion for all of our students and families.
What would you say are the biggest challenges facing Amherst’s public schools? What actions would you want the Committee to take to address these challenges?
The pandemic COVID19 is still one of the biggest challenges facing the Amherst public schools. Contact tracing, anxiety, elementary vaccines, masks, outdoor time, mental wellness of educators, staff, caregivers, and budget implications. As a Committee we are working to stay educated around the science, and how the virus evolves, taking workshops of mental wellness for educators, talking about the impact, confidence in the superintendent and his choices around safety regarding COVID19. The second biggest challenge is the condition of the elementary schools, specifically Fort River and Wildwood. We are addressing this through supporting the MSBA project and meeting with as many stakeholders/constituents to gather public feedback.
How would you work to communicate with the community about the Committee’s work (please be specific)?
As a committee I would like to see us increase our communication with the community. Some ideas we are thinking about are hosting regular "coffee hours," our new board doc system, and perhaps a newsletter. Youtube videos either as training, "how to find budget" or "how to understand budget" or a quick video recap after meetings as an accommodation for some.
Would you vote to support an educational plan developed by educators and community members to support a new school building of 575 students to replace both Fort River and Wildwood? Why or why not?
I would support a new school building for a few reasons. One being my time in the buildings and staying ill while I worked in Fort River. The buildings are half a century old, not conducive to what we now understand about best learning practices, and our children deserve a healthy school in which to thrive in.
What is a School Committee member’s role and responsibility? How does that role differ from the role of the superintendent or the administration?
As a school committee member my role is to give input and pass a working budget, evaluation and support the superintendent with setting and accomplishing goals. Communication with families, students, communities to gather information, feedback, and questions as needed. School committee as works on policies for the district, old and new. The superintendent and administration keep the schools running through the work and organization they have established.
Could you support a Committee decision you did not vote for? Why or why not?
Over the year since I have served this issue came up and for me depends on what the decision is. Something like adding a holiday to our calendar versus metal detectors and armed security in all our schools. These two would have a different impact and if I was worried about harm from a decision to arm the schools, I could not support the decision. What I will do is be respectful and stay focused on the issue I may have a differing opinion on. Aside from any outliers, I end up supporting our decisions as a committee.