Candidates emphasize belonging, restorative practices and inclusive special‑education supports in Malden schools
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Summary
Guests on a Malden podcast said student agency, emotional safety and restorative responses to incidents should be part of efforts to make schools safe and welcoming. One candidate highlighted restorative justice and another emphasized inclusive placements and peer mentoring for students with disabilities.
Candidates and school leaders on a Malden podcast discussed school climate and supports for students with differing needs.
Ward 6 school committee candidate Peter Piazza said survey work across Massachusetts shows that student agency and a sense that adults listen to students contribute to emotional safety and belonging. He said schools should have systems to "understand what's the cause of these types of incidents and how do we make the culture better for everybody," and mentioned restorative justice as a tool he has not seen broadly used in Malden Public Schools but which he thinks has potential.
Another guest, a school committee member whose name was not provided, said special education has been the focus of her work and cited roles as a CPAC liaison and Challenger League volunteer. She said she has implemented peer‑to‑peer mentoring and will continue "to fight for those that have different learning needs" to ensure inclusive placements and access to extracurriculars.
Both speakers said making students feel heard and valued is central to safety and belonging; neither announced formal changes to district policy during the podcast.
Ending: Candidates recommended steps including student voice measures, restorative approaches after incidents and sustained advocacy for inclusive special‑education services.