My name is Sheila Krishnan, and I’m excited to share my candidacy for one of the three School Committee seats up for election in Watertown this November.
I have long appreciated the role that public education plays in contributing to a thriving, healthy democracy as someone who has worked in public health and higher education for over 17 years. Over the past five years, I have been an active Watertown Public Schools parent volunteer and community member through a variety of roles. Understanding how decisions are made in our district is important to me, not only for my children but so that I can advocate on behalf of students and families in the district. Now more than ever, having engaged, informed citizens will be vital to the future of our communities and the challenges we face ahead.
My decision to run for School Committee solidified after conversations with other parents and community members this Spring. We discussed issues such as more accessible aftercare options for working families, the importance of diversity and inclusivity as core values of the education we want for our children, concerns over the loss of federal funds, and the impact on immigrant families, as well as the need to ensure that every student regardless of their identity can feel safe and supported in our schools. These are issues I’m not only personally impacted by or passionate about, but knowledgeable in and skilled at advocating for.
Our public schools have already weathered many storms in recent years, and Watertown has tremendous strengths to build on. Moving forward, we continue to need strong leadership that will face problems head-on, engage openly with the community, and maintain robust partnerships. I am confident that my natural curiosity, experience with complex systems, listening and problem-solving skills will serve a critical role on the School Committee.
Professionally, I serve as the Director of Career and Professional Development at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and have my Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan. Those who know me describe me as a critical thinker, a thoughtful listener, a creative and collaborative problem-solver, and someone who is deeply committed to my values of community, interconnectedness, and justice for all.
As a School Committee member, my focus areas would include:
Future pathways. Strong guidance counselor support, resources, and mentorship are crucial for preparing students to navigate a rapidly changing world where they can make informed decisions about education and employment post-graduation.
Access. All systems have barriers that create disparities in who gets access to resources. Our district must be committed to identifying those barriers and finding solutions so each student can realize their full potential.
Caregiver Engagement. Research shows that strong school-family partnerships benefit everyone. Effective translation services, accessible aftercare options, and meaningful caregiver participation foster cultural understanding and ultimately strengthen student outcomes.
Technology. Classrooms have changed drastically since I was a student. We must thoughtfully address screen time, evaluate the tools that are being used, and develop informed policy around emerging issues like cell phone use and AI. Most of all, the impact of technology on students’ cognitive and emotional development is an important piece to consider in any decision-making.
Support for Educators. Teachers profoundly impact the lives of students and their motivation to learn. Recognizing the complexities that teachers today are now faced with and providing them with the resources they need, from compensation to time for planning and professional development, along with pathways for early-career teachers to grow, are all essential for a thriving district.
Safety and Belonging. Every student and staff member deserves a school culture that prioritizes psychological and physical safety, and fosters a sense of belonging. We know that these are the kinds of cultures that facilitate deep engagement in learning.
To learn more or become involved, please visit my campaign website: sheilakrishnan4wps.com.
The conversations I’ve already had with many members across the Watertown community have deepened my understanding of your hopes for our schools and your expectations from leadership. I look forward to speaking with as many students, families, educators, and community members as possible in the months ahead.
Sheila Krishnan