School committee candidates press for funding, special-education supports at North Weymouth forum

At a North Weymouth Civic Association forum, school committee candidates outlined priorities that centered on equity, special education and the district’s budget gap.

Cindy Lyons, a parent and director of a small nonprofit, said she would press state and local leaders on funding and equity. “I know this past year we were $1,900,000 short in our budget,” Lyons said, adding she would advocate to the state on Chapter 70 funding while also pursuing grants and community partnerships.

Allegra Maroney, an educator and parent, said she would protect academic freedom and strengthen transparency and safety policies for staff. “When educators are supported, students are supported,” Maroney said, urging clearer handbook policies to help teachers handle incidents and keep classrooms safe.

Kelly McClain, who holds a master’s degree in special education, emphasized expanding mental-health and behavioral services and building a pipeline of trained staff. She urged district planning for facilities, warning many buildings and modular classrooms (she noted Chapman as an exception) will reach capacity in coming decades and said the district should begin long-term planning now.

Peter Crazo, a finance and project-management professional, said tight funding will make grant-seeking and fiscal creativity essential. “Funding is going to be extremely tight,” Crazo said; he described himself as prepared to work with town and school administrators to identify resources.

Joe Brodsky, who described his K–12 experience in Weymouth and life as a person who benefited from special-education accommodations, said he would be “a tireless advocate” for students who require individualized supports.

Ashley Dickerman, a former classroom teacher and long-time volunteer, framed her candidacy around listening and community advocacy. “This position is more about showing up for you than it is about my ideas,” she said, and pledged accessibility to parents and families.

Why it matters: Candidates agreed that teacher support, special-education staffing and stable funding will determine whether students receive consistent services. With at least one candidate citing a near $1.9 million shortfall last year, speakers linked budget pressures to the need for state advocacy, grant work and long-range facilities planning.

The forum concluded with candidates available for one-on-one conversations with voters; no formal endorsements or votes were taken at the meeting.