As the April 8th Needham town election approaches, CNS recently sent a questionnaire to all six School Committee (SC) candidates in a desire to learn more about each candidate and their philosophies and experience. CNS does NOT endorse individual candidates. In keeping with our mission to make school-related news and information available to the Needham community, we are sharing each candidate’s responses to the five questionnaire topics. After each question, candidate responses are listed in the order in which they appear on the official ballot.
Please note that Constance S. Barr (Connie) (candidate for re-election) withdrew from the School Committee race on Sunday, March 23rd. Her submitted answers will not appear in the questionnaire below, but her letter withdrawing from the race can be found on her website at www.conniebarrneedham.com.
Meet the Candidates
Andrea Longo Carter (candidate for re-election) – www.alcneedham.com
Alisa M. Skatrud (candidate for re-election) – www.alisaskatrud.com
Sri Devi Baqri – https://sribaqri.com/
Scott Marder – www.ScottforSchool.com
Leanne R. Ratti – www.leanneforneedhampublic.com
Question 1 – Why are you running for School Committee?
Andrea Longo Carter: At the most fundamental level, I’m running for School Committee to ensure we provide the best possible educational experience for Needham students. Specifically, I want to continue the collective bargaining process currently underway with our teachers so we can settle an affordable contract that allows Needham to recruit, retain and support our staff. I then want to work with the other four employee groups that must settle new contracts in the next 15 months. Beyond that, I want to collaborate with Town Boards, committees and community groups to build widespread support for the Pollard School rebuilding project so we can begin executing the Master Plan for school facilities to ensure we have appropriate spaces for teaching and learning for the foreseeable future. I also want us to improve academic and social emotional outcomes for all students, and especially those subgroups that have underperformed relative to our overall student population.
Alisa Skatrud: I am passionate about public education and the opportunities it provides for all children. My children have participated in nearly every aspect of the school system, from the integrated preschool through high school and even the post-grad program, from special education through AP classes and everything in between, and from sports to performing arts. My deep background and broad experience with the school system positions me well to continue efforts to make the Needham Public Schools the best they can be. I am a strategic and pragmatic problem solver, and these skills are ideally suited to the challenges ahead of us. And I love to explore and understand nuance by listening carefully to multiple viewpoints. I think my unique combination of skills and experience will allow me to contribute meaningfully to Needham’s schools and our town.
Sri Baqri: I’m passionate about community building and bringing people together As a mother of two curious girls at Mitchell Elementary, I am vested in our educational journey and commitment to the public schools, as our journey is just beginning. As a parent and citizen, I have been involved with several local initiatives that support our children, staff and community at large, which I outline below. Professionally I’m a scientist and scientific editor, so I believe in listening, asking questions, data-driven decision making, and bringing diverse opinions together for the common good. I’m running for School Committee to take my experiences and expertise to the next level so I can support and advocate for the success of our children and Needham Public Schools.
Scott Marder: I am running for Needham School Committee because I am passionate about education and the critical role social-emotional development plays in student success. As a school psychologist, I have seen firsthand how a child’s emotional well-being directly affects their academics—challenges that have only intensified since COVID. As a parent of a young child in Needham Public Schools, I understand the needs of families, particularly those with elementary-aged students. I care deeply about the future of Needham’s schools and am committed to ensuring that every student has the support and resources they need to thrive.
Leanne Ratti: As a mother of three Needham Public Schools students in kindergarten, third grade, and sixth grade, and a 16-year Boston public school educator, I’m deeply committed to advancing equitable education for all students. I hold licenses in General Education, Special Education, and ESL, and I am trained in Orton-Gillingham and as a Certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. My diverse professional background, experience in curriculum development and effective teaching practices all enable me to understand and advocate for programs that foster academic success. I’m passionate about ensuring every child in our district has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. As an advocate for equitable education, I’m dedicated to amplifying the voices of parents, teachers, and students to ensure community members have a seat at the table shaping our schools’ future. Together, we can build a supportive, inclusive, and high-quality educational environment for all of Needham’s children.
Question 2 – How have you supported Needham Public Schools in the past? Please give specific examples.
Andrea Longo Carter: I have supported NPS and its students since we moved here in 2008. At Newman, I supported low income students by working with a literacy coach to obtain PTC funding for tote bags so students could borrow favorite books over the summer, and I worked with a school counselor to coordinate a holiday gift card drive. I also supported students with disabilities and their families by helping expand a parent-led disability awareness education program to all grades, including writing the kindergarten curriculum and coordinating and delivering workshops for 6 years. I co-chaired the 2014 school operating budget override campaign, as well as Citizens for Needham Schools and the preschool PTC, and I’ve been on the School Committee for 10 years. While serving as School Committee Chair during COVID, I created video messages for teachers and staff and delivered homemade treats to school leaders to thank them for their dedication to Needham’s students, families and one another.
Alisa Skatrud: I’ve supported NPS since 2007. I was on the preschool PTC board and co-chair while my girls attended the integrated preschool at Newman. CAPP, the Child Assault Prevention Program, brought me into our elementary classrooms to perform educational safety programs. I was on the board of SEPAC, the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, including the programming committee and executive board as both co-chair (2 yrs) and Treasurer. I was an enthusiastic room parent and PTC participant while my children were at Mitchell. As my older children entered high school, I joined the Friends of Music board and acted as Treasurer. I served on the board of Citizens for Needham Schools, acting as co-chair for two years. I participated in the Portrait of a Needham Graduate committee that developed a new educational vision for our schools. I was elected to the School Committee in 2022 and have been a Precinct G Town Meeting member since 2021, voting affirmatively on warrant articles that support NPS.
Sri Baqri: I bring rich local experience in my candidacy for the School Committee. I serve as Vice-President of the Mitchell PTC where my priority is working with the co-presidents to support the METCO families and build strong connections between Needham and Boston families. For several years I have been a part of the REAL (Race, Equity Access and Leadership) Coalition fostering inclusivity, equity and community building in NPS. I’m a member of the Needham Resilience Network, which is a network that connects various local groups such as NPS, police, the YMCA, religious and cultural organizations to work together to focus on youth mental health. I was invited as a parent to be a part of the NPS Strategic Planning Session to define the Portrait of a Needham Graduate 2.0. These multiple opportunities to work together with various teams, to serve and support our schools and town have been foundational to my motivation in running for School Committee.
Scott Marder: I’ve always believed in the power of community involvement to strengthen our schools. Over the years, I’ve supported Needham Public Schools in several ways. I’ve donated financially each year to the PTC while my child was at Newman Preschool and now Broadmeadow. I currently serve as the PTC parent representative for my son’s kindergarten class, and I’ve volunteered in the classroom for special events. I also make it a point to attend fundraising events like the spaghetti dinner and gala to support the school community.
My involvement is driven by a desire to contribute to the success of all students, not just my own, and to help make Needham schools even stronger.
Leanne Ratti: My oldest son started half-day Kindergarten at Hillside Elementary in 2018. As a working parent with a 3-year-old and newborn, I advocated for full-day programming but it was not offered until the following year. My son attended the KASE program in the afternoons, a fee-based program. This prompted me to become more involved in NPS. Volunteering as a Room Parent for all three of my boys annually, I support teachers with planning field trips, celebrations, and learning opportunities. One impactful contribution was organizing a field trip to the Boston Tea Party Museum for grade 5 students at Sunita Williams, which aligned with a MA Social Studies Standard. I also volunteer at other events annually, such as the Scholastic Book Fair and Festival of Cultures, to promote literacy and cultural diversity. I’m committed to supporting my children and the broader school community, and these experiences inspired me to run for School Committee.
Question 3 – What do you believe is the most important role of School Committee members?
Andrea Longo Carter: The School Committee has legal authority in three areas: hiring and firing the Superintendent, approving the budget, and establishing broad educational policies and goals (MGL Ch. 71 Sec 37). Beyond this, the most important role of School Committee members is to ensure the District’s goals and values are aligned with those of the community, and to support the District’s work. We serve as a critical communication link between community members and District leaders, and use community feedback to shape policy discussions and influence the District’s strategic goals and priorities. Members support the District by providing information to parents and community members who have questions or concerns, and by advocating for funding and resources with Town Boards, Committees and departments, and ultimately with Town Meeting and voters.
Alisa Skatrud: School Committee responsibilities include overseeing policy and budgets and also involve hiring and oversight of the superintendent. We establish the educational goals and policies of the district, and we have the final approval on the Superintendent’s recommendations on curriculum. But the most important role of the school committee is as advocates. We advocate for students with diverse learning needs, we advocate for adequate funding to meet our educational goals, we advocate for appropriate educational spaces ideal for instruction and learning. And we advocate within the community, to ensure broad-based support among everyone in town, regardless of whether they currently have children in our schools. Needham’s public schools attract people to our town, and continuing to advocate for their adequate resourcing and high quality remains our most important role.
Sri Baqri: School Committee members work as a team and are trusted with advocacy and policy-making for the education of our children. They guide the governance as well as direction of the public schools through evaluation and review of educational policies and standards, educational needs, budget, staffing decisions, child and staff well-being and mental health, performance and development and through collaboration with various town governance bodies. Being a member of the school committee is a public service and means clear communication and working closely with various stakeholders while always keeping in mind that the priority is the success of our children and the public schools.
Scott Marder: I see the role of a School Committee member in two main ways:
Ensuring High-Quality Education – It’s crucial to make sure that the district’s policies, budget, and decisions are aligned to provide a high-quality education for all students. This includes focusing on academic excellence, access to resources, and long-term strategic planning.
Advocating for Students, Families, and Educators – A School Committee member should be a strong advocate for the needs of students, families, and educators. This means ensuring that their voices are heard, supporting mental health and social-emotional well-being, and fighting for equitable opportunities for all children.
These two aspects—oversight and advocacy—work together to ensure that our schools are well-managed and that the needs of the community are always a priority.
Leanne Ratti: The most important role of School Committee members is to ensure that the educational needs of all students are met while maintaining a balance between quality, equity, and fiscal responsibility. I believe that members are responsible for setting policies that guide the school district’s direction and align with state standards. I believe the members are responsible for overseeing the allocation of resources in a way that best supports students, teachers, and the broader community. School Committee members should always be advocating for what’s best for students using evidence and community engagement to make informed decisions. A focus on equity is especially important to ensure that every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to a high-quality education. Acting as a bridge between the community and school leaders, the committee listens to the concerns and advocates for the needs of the students.
Question 4 – Given the potential shuttering of the Department of Education and drastic cuts to federal funding to the school district, please provide your philosophy on and experience with school or municipal budgets.
Andrea Longo Carter: Two things most reflect our values – how we spend our time, and how we spend our money. Both are relevant to education. The school budget must reflect our values and provide funding to achieve our goals. What we choose to fund, or not, needs to be in alignment with our strategic priorities and provide the greatest benefit to the system as a whole. I’ve developed knowledge of school and municipal budgets as a School Committee liaison to the Finance Committee, member of the facilities financing working group that explored financial scenarios related to the School Master Plan capital projects, and as an 11 year Town Meeting member. I am also a member of the negotiations subcommittee and understand Needham’s employment contracts and how to evaluate the fiscal implications of different provisions. Professionally, I have worked in finance, accounting and economics for my entire career and have developed and monitored budgets for organizations of many different sizes.
Alisa Skatrud: Budgets are an expression of our values, and how we spend money represents the things we hold most important. Nearly 84% of our school budget is focused on salaries, and our dedicated and passionate workforce is one of our most valuable assets. With the curtailing of the DOE, there are concerns that the federal grants that provide up to 18% of our budget will be trimmed. Budget cuts of this magnitude, if they materialize, will necessarily impact program offerings, class sizes, and our ability to innovate and move forward. I have been involved in school budgeting during my 3 years on the school committee and have academic grounding through my master’s degree in public administration in the construction of and adjustment of budgets. As a SC liaison to the finance committee, I have developed a broader understanding of the town’s overall budget, and if needed, I will use my experience to make strategic reductions in order to preserve the best possible learning experience for our students.
Sri Baqri: With cuts at the federal level, we must look ahead and be thoughtful about budgeting. My philosophy and approach to budgeting is based on the firm belief that our priority is towards expenses that drive direct benefit to students and not necessarily based on precedence. This must include all students and all learning needs. Therefore, we will need to allocate and re-allocate funds in collaboration with town governance bodies for immediate and long-term priorities. We need to look at state and other educational grant sources. Professionally I have experience managing a sizeable budget allocated to my team where I listen, ask questions and use data-driven approaches to make trade-offs. I would use the same approach and prioritize our children when it comes to the NPS budget.
Scott Marder: In light of potential federal funding cuts and uncertainty around the Department of Education, I believe it is more important than ever for local school committees to be strong advocates for their districts and ensure that every dollar is used effectively to support students and educators.
My philosophy on budgeting is rooted in transparency, strategic planning, and fiscal responsibility. Budgets should prioritize core student needs, including special education, mental health resources, and classroom support, while maintaining a long-term vision for financial sustainability.
As a school psychologist, I have seen firsthand how funding decisions impact student services. My business background has also given me experience in financial planning, budget management, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. I believe in clear communication with the community about funding challenges and the need for smart, strategic investments that directly benefit students and teachers.
Leanne Ratti: In an environment with reduced funding, it is crucial to focus on the needs of our students. This would include ensuring that core academic programs, essential services (like special education and support for students with disabilities), and school safety measures are maintained as top priorities. While cuts may be necessary, we should strive to minimize the impact on the most essential programs that directly affect student learning and development. In my experience as a teacher with school budgets, it is important to be transparent with the community and there is a clear understanding of how decisions are made. This builds trust and allows for community feedback that can guide decision-making. Creative scheduling solutions help, along with seeking external funding through grants or partnerships. The goal is to maintain high standards of education, protect access to critical services, and continue to support teachers and staff, regardless of external financial challenges.
Question 5 – What is your philosophy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? Do you think Needham Public Schools should maintain its commitment to these initiatives despite changes at the federal level?
Andrea Longo Carter: Needham must maintain its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion despite changes at the federal level. I believe we have a moral obligation to ensure all students, staff and citizens feel safe and a sense of belonging in our schools and throughout our community. Furthermore, even if one doesn’t agree with this, there are numerous studies linking diversity, equity and inclusion with stronger academic achievement and the development of more complex critical thinking and problem solving skills. These initiatives also help our students become more creative, empathetic and resilient. Many, if not all, of the areas of cognitive and social development we value in our Portrait of a Needham Graduate are strengthened by focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Alisa Skatrud: We are living in an increasingly diverse society, and we should embrace and celebrate the differences that can make us stronger. Equity is ensuring that everyone has fair access to opportunities, and by doing so, we support the potential for every learner to thrive. Inclusion is making sure that each person feels like they belong, and no one feels excluded, leading to everyone’s success. I have been championing these principles since long before DEI was a household acronym, and I will continue to support them because I believe that each person brings their own gifts and talents to the world, and we are better and stronger when we support growth, learning, and success for all. As the mother of a person with Down syndrome, I see regularly how discrimination, systemic inequity, and exclusion have negatively impacted her, and how embracing diversity, a commitment to equity, and opportunities for inclusion have positively accelerated her trajectory.
Sri Baqri: Diversity, equity and inclusion as a core value and in practice leads to better problem-solving, effective decision making, fosters creativity and ensures that as humans we bring together our best abilities to adapt to and manage challenges and change. NPS must continue to uphold its commitment to DEI as the very foundations of community building, respect for each other and kindness are established in a child’s formative school years. It should remain an integral part of defining the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. We should bolster collaborative learning experiences, diversify and support our staff, foster inclusive dialogue, ensure the engagement of parents and broader community members and ensure implementation of anti-racism policies if and when incidents occur. NPS should continue to lead the way responsibly even when federal changes are underway.
Scott Marder: My philosophy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is rooted in the belief that all students learn best when they feel safe, valued, and supported. As a school psychologist, I have seen firsthand how a student’s sense of belonging and emotional well-being directly impact their academic success. Schools must create an environment where every child—regardless of background, ability, or identity—has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Yes, I believe Needham Public Schools should maintain its commitment to DEI, regardless of changes at the federal level. Our responsibility is to support all students, and that means ensuring equitable access to learning, mental health resources, and academic support. This isn’t about politics—it’s about making sure every child has a fair chance to succeed.
Leanne Ratti: While changes at the federal level can affect how Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives are funded, the core value of DEI is foundational in creating a more inclusive society, which is something I have and always will support as a public school educator of 16 years. If Needham Public Schools remains committed, it can continue to provide a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment for all students by fostering a culture of inclusivity. This initiative will prepare students for future success in the world. NPS could explore partnerships with local organizations and community groups that share a commitment to DEI as they may offer funding, resources, or volunteers. In addition, focusing on existing resources, maximizing community resources, and ensuring that the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion remain core to the school’s mission are some of the ways that Needham Public Schools can maintain its commitment to these initiatives, despite changes at the federal level.
More information about each candidate can be found on their individual websites listed above. The public is also invited to the League of Women Voters’ Candidates Night on Monday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Broadmeadow School and via Zoom (more information and the link to register for the Zoom link can be found on the LWV’s website.)