David Stokes
Why do you want to serve on the School Committee? I had the distinct honor of serving on the School Committee 2020-2023, through the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. I see other equally daunting challenges just ahead in the next 4 years: economic uncertainty, anxiety, and social unrest are reported in the news daily, and public education is being devalued and pushed aside, furthered by diminishing federal funding. I am passionate about public education and preserving the important role it plays in this nation! Education can be a great equalizer, if we commit to combatting bias, supporting mental and physical health, removing barriers for students and families with challenges, and fostering creativity and curiosity within our schools.
Jessica Middlebrook
Why do you want to serve on the School Committee? Four years ago, I ran for the Watertown School Committee to support vibrant, inclusive schools that allow all students equitable opportunities to a high quality education. The past four years on the Committee have taught me so much and the knowledge and skills I have gained can only be put to use by running again. As a Committee, we have accomplished a lot in the past four years and I would love the opportunity to build on those accomplishments, which include launching universal Pre-K and a comprehensive Restorative Justice program, expanding the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging department to include a Restorative Practices Facilitator, Student Leadership Development Coordinator, Equity Facilitators at each school, and Family Liaisons at each elementary school, and piloting and launching new, high quality, evidence based curricula. The results are showing: this year, Watertown Public Schools was recognized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for combating COVID-era learning loss.
Sheila Krishnan
Why do you want to serve on the School Committee? As a parent of two elementary school students in the Watertown Public Schools and as someone who is an engaged parent and community volunteer, I am invested in the quality of the education and the environment that our students are learning in. There are many important investments that Watertown has made in the public schools, and it’s important to me to ensure that this work continues and is protected despite other potential threats at the state and federal levels.
Tell voters about your background and qualifications for being a School Committee member. I have a Master’s degree in Public Health and the majority of my direct public health work was focused on helping colleges and universities implement programs focused on mental health and suicide prevention. About 9 years ago, I transitioned into career services in higher ed and am currently the Director of Career and Professional Development at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health where I help public health graduate students get jobs.
The Watertown Free Public Library. (Courtesy of WFPL)
Watertown voters will be selecting three members of the Watertown Free Public Library’s Board of Library Trustees in the 2025 Watertown Election. Watertown News reached out to the candidates to find out more about them. See details in the Candidate Q&As. The Library Trustees oversee the budget for the Watertown Library and works with Library staff on how to spend the budget, as well as working on special projects and initiatives at the library.
Leanne Hammonds
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Library Trustees? I have been honored to serve on the Board of Library Trustees for the past nine years and I am running for re-election because I love the library and want it to continue to thrive. As the only incumbent trustee running for re-election and longest serving current board member, I think my experience will be useful on the Board going forward.
Tell voters about your background and qualifications for being a Library Trustee. I grew up in Portland, Maine and moved to Watertown 20 years ago with my husband Evan. We have raised our two teenagers here, sending them to Watertown Public Schools.
Fowler Brown
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Library Trustees? When my family and I moved to Watertown two and a half years ago, the library immediately made us feel at home. We’ve read hundreds of books, used countless library resources, made new friends, and consulted with librarians. The library is the heart of our community here, and when I learned that there were going to be open spots on the board, I wanted to do my part to help an institution that I love to grow and prosper.
Tell voters about your background and qualifications for being a Library Trustee. As a parent who has attended an absurd number of library events, I’ve seen firsthand how vital our library is, as a source of support, education, and resources of every kind.
Xin Peng
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Library Trustees? The library has been a vital partner to the three nonprofits I’m involved with and many community efforts over my six years in Watertown. As an engineering leader in mental health care, I bring strategic and budget planning experience to help the library navigate growing needs with limited resources, and I’m ready to focus my energy on continuing its impact.
Tell voters about your background and qualifications for being a Library Trustee. I grew up in a rural area where the library opened doors for me to become the first in my family to finish high school, college, and graduate school. Later, while volunteering as a teacher in northwest China, I helped create a small network of libraries sharing books and CDs among villages through fundraising so my students didn’t have to walk hours by cliffs to borrow a book.
Greetings East Enders, and Neighbors Beyond,
CONSIDER A VOTE FOR TOM TRACY CANDIDATE FOR WATERTOWN CITY COUNCILOR AT-LARGE. ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH. Tom Tracy is a lifelong Watertown resident. Tom understands the nuances of Watertown’s diverse neighborhoods. Tom Tracy exemplifies what it means to give of oneself for the community where you raise your family, work and enjoy quality of life. Tom Tracy will speak for the people; because through his community interactions, Tom understands the challenges faced by the people who he will represent
Tom Tracy understands the worth of Watertown’s AAA Bond Rating – for 29 years, Tom served as Watertown’s Town/City Auditor – Tom played an integral Team role in formulating stable budgets that culminated in the acme of municipal finance
Tom Tracy personifies “Building for the Future” – Tom has held a leadership role on the School Building Committee since 2018
Please join me in voting for Tom Tracy on Tuesday, November 4th to continue our vision for Watertown’s neighborhood cohesiveness and financial wellbeing. In my opinion: Tom Tracy has earned our respect, votes and support!!! Thank you.
