I firmly believe in the importance of a public education and support for our teachers. Despite my busy schedule of being a wife, a mom of two school aged children and working full time as a civil litigation defense attorney, I have always made time for our schools. Yes, I volunteered as a parent at my children’s schools, but more than that, I was actively involved in the recent Cranston School Department’s District Community Leadership Committee involving Fielding Nair International, as to the five year development plan and I support the current bond referendum, and I support our teachers. 

Growing up with immigrant parents from Italy, a blue collar dad and a stay at home mom who worked part time jobs and attended college to fulfill her life long dream of becoming a teacher, I witnessed first hand the sacrifices that they both made.  And while I may not have fully appreciated them at that time, I most certainly appreciated them once I became an adult. With years, comes wisdom. My mother obtained her bachelor’s degree in education while I was in high school and I was so proud. After substituting for some years, she then landed a full time job at the middle school level. I witnessed first hand the dedication and devotion that she selflessly gave of herself to her students and coworkers. Whether it was the extra hours before and after school, coming up with creative ways to separate a shared classroom, the special outreach to a child who maybe did not have the support of family, the purchasing of supplies from her own modest funds to make up for the deficits of public funding; she served as a role model for me.  

While campaigning, I am often asked about my thoughts on COVID and our schools. My first thought, even as a parent, is that I feel for the teachers because they did not sign up for this! In the same token I have faith in our local leaders: Superintendent Nota Masse,  RI Education Commissioner Infante Green, Director of the RI Dept. of Health, Dr. Alexander Scott, and our Governor to make the right decisions for our teachers and students working collaboratively with students’ families and guardians. Teachers who have health conditions that make them more susceptible is of the utmost concern, but the concern runs deeper.  The overall  daily classroom experience will be offset in a major way with masking, distancing and disinfecting protocols. While there is no easy answer, it is clear that placing teachers and students in indoor facilities, many of which already have air quality concerns or limitations, is not a solution while this incurable and highly infectious virus is amongst our community. I understand that this is a complicated issue and that virtual learning is not an ideal educational setting particularly for children that have special needs, lack family support, are of lower socio economic backgrounds, and concerning the emotional and mental toll the lack of socialization is having on our children. I greatly appreciate the efforts of time, dedication, and innovative techniques that our teachers are showing in these difficult times.  I support the continuation of virtual learning considering the paramount health concerns facing us as a community.