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School committee candidates clash over AB Forward process, budget pressures and superintendent search
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Summary
Six candidates for three Acton‑Boxborough Regional School Committee seats debated the AB Forward elementary reorganization, district budget shortfalls driven by special‑education and insurance costs, and qualities sought in the next superintendent as Peter Light departs in 2027.
Six candidates seeking three seats on the Acton‑Boxborough Regional School Committee discussed school reorganization, fiscal strain and the upcoming superintendent search at a League of Women Voters forum recorded April 8.
Candidates expressed a range of priorities on AB Forward, the district’s elementary reorganization. Natasha Sikorsky Onken said one decision was made before all data was available and urged a pause and reevaluation; Tory Campbell defended the process, saying the data has been public and the effort will save $17 million over 10 years. "This plan asks a lot of our community, but it allows us to better support students, protect key staff, give educators more flexibility to work together, and save $17,000,000 over 10 years," Campbell said.
Several candidates called for better community engagement and clearer rationales for major decisions. Dennis Baranek and Jake Fay urged earlier public input on student assignments; Daniel Carroll recommended bringing in a professional mediator rather than an out‑of‑state consultant to speed consensus. Diego Represa and others stressed focusing the committee’s attention on classroom needs and long‑term budget fixes.
On budget strategy beyond consolidation, candidates pointed to rising special‑education tuition and health‑insurance costs and proposed multiple avenues: advocacy for additional state aid, collaboration with town officials to boost commercial tax base, expanded revenue programs (extended‑day or summer camps), and investing in in‑house special‑education supports to reduce expensive external placements. Tory Campbell warned that the district has already reduced non‑classroom spending and that further cuts would risk educational quality.
With Superintendent Peter Light announcing a departure in 2027, candidates said the next superintendent should combine strong instructional experience, consensus building and stability. Several emphasized a leader who can "bring people together," explain decisions clearly and implement AB Forward while rebuilding trust across the community.
Candidates also debated curricular questions including de‑leveling at the high school and approaches to artificial intelligence in classrooms. Tory cited state data showing increased access to advanced coursework since de‑leveling; others urged ongoing review informed by teachers and district data. On AI, candidates recommended a mix of basic literacy, critical thinking and practical classroom experiments to prepare students for future workplaces.
The forum closed with a lightning round and one‑minute closing remarks from each candidate; voters were reminded the municipal election is April 28 and town meeting follows soon after.
