Elections

School Committee Candidate Q&A: Sheila Krishnan

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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.

Elections

LETTER: Resident Endorses Three Running for Watertown School Committee

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Dear Editor,

Now that the School Committee forums are over, I want to formally endorse. First, an endorsement for two familiar faces and then a new one. Current Member Jessica Middlebrook has a track record of collaborative leadership, focusing on student well-being and equitable access to resources, and actively supporting the expansion of pre-K. These have been informed by her background as a school mental health counselor. Her most recent achievement includes a successful and non-acrimonious labor negotiation.

Elections

View the School Committee Candidate Forum Video

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Monday night, the candidates for Watertown School Committee appeared at a live forum and answered questions about the future of the middle school, the school budget, vocational education, making students and family feel welcome in the Watertown Public Schools, and more. The candidate forum is the fourth hosted by WCA-TV and Watertown News. See how the candidates — David Stokes, Jessica Middlebrook, Joe Ganno, and Sheila Krisnan (Amy Donohue could not attend) — responded to the questions posed by host Maya Shwayder. Watch the video by clicking here: http://vodwcatv.org/internetchannel/show/4171?site=1

More Candidate Forums

On Oct. 6, the candidates running Councilor At-Large — Tom Tracy, Tony Palomba, Theo Offei, John Gannon, and Caroline Bays — appeared at the Middle School Auditorium.

Elections

Watertown School Committee Candidates Appearing at Live Forum

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Hear from the candidates for School Committee in a live, in-person candidate forum on Monday, Oct. 20 at Watertown Middle School. The public is welcome. The forum is co-hosted by Watertown News and Watertown Cable Access TV and begins at 6:30 p.m. The candidates — David Stokes, Jessica Middlebrook, Joe Ganno, and Sheila Krisnan — will discuss their views at the Watertown Middle School Auditorium. Amy Donohue will not be able attend the forum.

Elections

LETTER: Candidate Discusses Why He is Running for School Committee

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Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Fellow Watertown Residents,

With less than 3 weeks left until Election Day (although you can choose to cast your vote before Nov. 4th), I would like to take this opportunity to reintroduce myself, David Stokes, Candidate for School Committee. Perhaps you have already conversed with me, seen one of my yard signs, read my literature, visited my website, or watched my video. Please read on to find out more about my relevant experience, my longtime dedication, and my broad community focus – which together position me as a strong candidate for School Committee! You might recall that I had the distinct honor of serving on the School Committee 2020-23, through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elections

LETTER: Group of Residents Endorse School Committee Candidate

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We the undersigned, are thrilled that Sheila Krishnan has stepped up to run for Watertown’s School Committee. Sheila respectfully listens to diverse perspectives, builds bridges, and takes stands that will advance Watertown’s well-being for all residents. When she offers suggestions or opinions, Sheila takes stands that will advance Watertown’s well-being for all residents. Sheila is a deep thinker and keen observer. Sheila has proven to be a solid ally for all Watertown residents in a variety of ways and under many circumstances. Recent examples include her advocacy for the 2024 Health & Human Services Study and providing thoughtful feedback on the final report and serving as a community member on the Library Director hiring committee in 2022.

Schools

Superintendent Reviewed Areas Where Watertown Fared Well in the State Accountability Results & Areas that Need More Focus

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Watertown had some highlights from the 2025 MCAS test and other accountability measures, including being recognized for the results in some areas, but school officials also identified areas that need more work. Superintendent Dede Galdston presented a report on the 2025 Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) accountability results at the Oct. 6 School Committee meeting. The accountability presentation included results of the MCAS tests, as well as measures such as absenteeism and the results of the ACCESS for students who come into schools not speaking English as their primary language, called English Learners. Last week, the Watertown Public Schools announced that Watertown was one of 63 districts across the state that the state DESE recognized for returning to pre-pandemic achievement levels in grades 3-8, and one of 41 recognized for meeting or exceeding achievement levels in math.

Elections

Candidates in Watertown Election Appearing at Town Democratic Committee Forum

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Democratic Town Committee:

Join the Watertown Democratic Committee for a Candidate Forum on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Social Hall (downstairs) of the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church St., Watertown, MA. The moderator will be State Senator William Brownsberger. Watertown is fortunate to have so many individuals committed to serving our city. To ensure a timely program, the forum will prioritize contested races. Please see the forum lineup below. 

2025 Candidate Forum Lineup

7:30 p.m. – Welcome! 

7:35 p.m. – School Committee (3 seats, 4 candidates)

8:10 p.m. – City Council President (1 seat, 1 candidate)

8:15 p.m. – Library Trustee (3 seats, 4 candidates)

8:45 p.m. – Councilor At Large (4 seats, 5 candidates)

9:30 p.m. – District C (1 seat, 2 candidates)

9:50 p.m. – Close

All candidates will answer the same opening question, then have 3 to 4 different questions, and end with a closing statement.  This event is free and open to the public.