My name is Katrina Fitzgerald and I am running for Groton Board of Education. I was born and raised in Groton and have had the pleasure of raising my children here.
I have had some amazing opportunities to volunteer in the school system while my children were students. Some of the programs I am proud to have participated in include: the creation of the Fitch Parent Council, bringing a distracted driving program to the students at Fitch High School, and serving on several school and district improvement teams.
I am presently a member of the Representative Town Meeting representing District 6 where I have been the Board of Education Liaison and serve on the Education Committee. I am a previous Board of Education member from 2014 to 2019. I also worked as an employee of Groton Public Schools as a Kindergarten Paraprofessional for ten years. Additionally, I am a member of the Town of Groton Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Through these experiences, I have been able to see how our students are educated, how budgets are created, and how hard the Groton Public School staff work to bring the best possible educational outcomes for all our students regardless of learning differences.
Here are just a few things I want to work on if I am elected:
-Empower parents through better communication, volunteer opportunities, community conversations, and workshops to help support their students’ education.
-Continue working towards diversity, equity, and inclusion for our staff and students.
-Develop budgets that align with school district goals and town needs with respect to the Groton taxpayers and provide clarity and understanding of budgetary needs.
-Expand partnerships with local businesses, trade associations, unions, military, and manufacturers to prepare our students that have chosen not to attend college for post high school employment. It is imperative that our students leave high school with the skills they need to be prepared for the workforce.
-During my previous tenure on the Board of Education, I was a participant in a committee that started looking at efficiencies through shared services with the Town of Groton. One of my first orders of business will be to resurrect this committee.
-I also want to continue working with the Town of Groton and our local health district to ensure our students are the safest they can possibly be with the current Covid 19 pandemic conditions.
I have the experience, drive, and will to make the hard and important decisions that positively affect how our students are educated and supported. I will strive to provide a fair budget to allow our students to experience a world class education.
Thanks for your support and vote for me, Katrina Fitzgerald, for Board of Education on November 2.
Please feel free to contact me at katfitzgerald4boe@gmail.com with any questions or comments.