2021 Candidates for School Committee

There are three open seats for the School Committee. 
There are eight candidates, so please scroll down to reach each of their profiles. 
School Committee oversees Dedham’s public schools by appointing leadership, reviewing and approving budgets, and setting school education goals and policies.

Michael Emery

Why are you running for this office?
My wife Beth and I moved here 30 years ago and fell in love with Dedham. We raised two children here who were inspired by their school experience. I am running to give back to the town and ensure every student is prepared for the path they choose. We are all invested in their success.  

Our times require hands-on leaders who will be present in the schools and engaged with teachers and parents. I enjoyed participating in my children’s schools from pre-k through high school graduation . This gives me a perspective on the challenges students and families face at each stage.

What are your qualifications relative to the position you are running for?
I have an M.Ed. in Counseling and experience as a school psychologist. I will work closely with our counseling staff as they meet the diverse needs of our students. 

Through my 20 years of corporate leadership experience I have managed global initiatives and budgets. I have a track record of engaging people with diverse perspectives, ensuring they are included, and creating a common purpose. I also have an MBA with experience in improving operations. 

As board chair for the non-profit Dedham School of Music I have partnered with the schools and the community to increase access to music and support programming in the schools.

What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?
  • Addressing the social and emotional learning needs of our students as we return to classroom learning. The impact of social isolation and disruption over the last year will affect every student differently. We will need to be creative, engage the community, and learn from other districts to meet their unique needs. 
  • Ensuring the success of our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. More culturally responsive instruction in the schools is critical to meet the changing needs of our students and to their social, emotional and academic success.
  • Creating sustainable budgets that protect critical priorities and build for the future.​​

Rebecca Lynn Gates

No statement has been submitted.

Victor C. Hebert Jr.

Why are you running for this office?
My wife and I chose to move to Dedham 6 years ago because we felt it was a place where we could raise our three kids. We love the community, we love our schools, and we love the teachers and staff that have worked so hard to educate, care for, and nurture our children.

As a currently appointed member of the school committee, I have had the honor of serving my Dedham community during some truly unprecedented times. 

I’m running to continue serving our kids and our families—representing their needs and concerns as we continue to work through many challenges. I’m running because I believe diversity of perspectives, experiences, and voices makes the School Committee—and our community—stronger.

What are your qualifications relative to the position you are running for?
Over the past 6 years, I’ve worked hard to support our kids, schools and teachers. I’ve tried to live what I believe: every student deserves the best education we can provide.
  • I volunteered at the Avery School library, and Co-Chaired the PTO.
  • I served as a Parent Representative during the DEA negotiations. 
  • I volunteered for the COVID-19 Reopening Task Force, working with teachers, administration and parents to deliver the best possible educational experience for our kids.​
  •  In the Fall of 2020 I was unanimously appointed to the School Committee, where I’ve served on the Budget sub-committee ensuring resources are responsibly allocated to meet today’s needs—and prepare for tomorrow.
​
What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?
Ensuring Diversity, Equity and Inclusion means that ALL students are seen, heard and supported—that their diverse experiences, perspectives, and voices are reflected and valued. 

Increasing transparency and improving communication—creating greater engagement between the School Committee and our school’s families.

Effective resource allocation and budgeting to maximize positive outcomes—giving teachers and kids the tools they need to provide the best educational experience they deserve.

Examining current bullying policy implementation to identify strengths—and shortcomings— with stronger partnerships between parents, the administration, and students.

Lisa Laprade

Why are you running for this office?
I’m running for re-election to the Dedham School Committee because I believe in this town and our schools. I have served on the School Committee for the past 6 years as an elected committee member. During a time when three seats are up for re-election, I firmly believe that continuity on the board is critical. My experience will be invaluable for the Town of Dedham and our schools as we emerge from the pandemic and continue with the school district’s master plan to improve our schools. And, as a proud Dedham public school parent of an 11th grader and an 8th grader, I am passionate about ensuring that every student receives the best education possible.

​What are your qualifications relative to the position you are running for?
My years of service on the committee set me apart. I have served on every sub-committee for the board. This past year I have been Committee Chair during one of the most challenging years in education. I am proud we were able to swiftly respond to state guidelines and balance the needs of Dedham’s families and educators. Before serving on the Board, I was a Town Meeting Member. I also bring my experience as a scientist and project manager for a global company. My role requires a sharp analytical mind, the ability to quickly solve problems and be forward thinking for new ideas. I work with people from many different cultures and skill sets. I am thoughtful, caring and collaborative.

What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?
My top priorities for the Dedham Public Schools are the following:

First, getting back to school full-time and in person safely, while also addressing the emotional and social impact of the pandemic on our students, staff, and families.

Second, supporting the district’s mission and vision statement for all students to be
successful in a global community, especially with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Third, continuing to make fiscally-responsible decisions with our tax-payer dollars. This means putting forth responsible operating and capital budgets along with thoughtful consideration of the next school building project on the horizon.

Cailen Campbell McCormick

Why are you running for this office?
I am invested in our town and want to see it continue to grow as I raise my own family here. I share the goal of everyone in Dedham of supporting and stimulating academic, social, and emotional growth of our children.As both an educator and a parent of children in the Dedham Public Schools, I am uniquely qualified as a candidate for election to the school committee. I have spent my career working in the public school system and hope to give back to our community by sharing my passion and dedication to education.

What are your qualifications relative to the position you are running for?
I have dedicated my almost 15-year career to ensuring that all students have access to rigorous instruction that leads to meaningful growth. I graduated from Boston College with a degree in Early Childhood Education and earned my Master’s in Education in Severe and Profound Disabilities. I later earned my Education Specialist degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. I hold Massachusetts teaching licensure in moderate and severe disabilities and early childhood education. I work as an Inclusion Coordinator in a Boston Public School where I work directly with students, teachers, administration, and families. In Dedham, I am one of the co-founders and leaders of the Anti-Racism Coalition.

What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?
My priorities include quality and inclusive education as a reality for all students. I will be a committee member who: 
  • Utilizes my experience to support policies that put children first.
  • Advocates for a responsible budget that supports teachers and individual student needs.
  • Prioritizes the continuation and expansion of equity and inclusion work, ensuring that curriculum, professional development opportunities, and hiring practices are culturally diverse, socially just, and anti-racist.
  • Listens and incorporates feedback from community members, parents, and educators and reliably provides school committee updates and progress towards district priorities.

Christopher J. Polito

No statement has been submitted.

Kathleen Schortmann

No statement has been submitted.

Dawn E. Seivers

​Why are you running for this office?
I am a lifelong Dedham resident, a former student of the DPS and a parent of a DHS freshman. I care deeply about the safety, health and education of our children, teachers and faculty. We must ensure that our children feel safe in our schools in a post-pandemic world; we need our diverse community to feel welcomed and embraced because of their differences, not in spite of them. I am forward thinking and not afraid of change, especially when change will serve the greater good. I am good at listening, weighing varying perspectives, and coming to thoughtful, informed decisions. Knowing many people in town and understanding Dedham’s rich history will make me a great addition to the committee.
​
What are your qualifications relative to the position you are running for?
I am part of the leadership team at my company, and my core job responsibilities include developing and implementing company policies, working with budgets, and managing key personnel decisions including headcount. These are the three main functions of the school committee: writing and maintaining policies, approving and monitoring the budget for the Dedham school system, and hiring and evaluating the Superintendent. I am a proven leader, having taken on many leadership roles throughout my life. I am committed to our students, as my child is currently working her way through the DPS. I am affable and approachable, two very important traits for anyone who wishes to serve the public.

What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?
Our top priority is the health and safety of our students, teachers and faculty. What will a post-pandemic world look like, and what next-steps do we need to take to ensure everyone in our schools is protected? Our second priority is not only to preserve Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our schools, but enhance and grow it. Every child needs to feel valued, heard and respected, everyday. We must embrace that we all come from different walks of life and we all bring something of unique to the table. Lastly, the budget is going to be a major priority again as we emerge from a global pandemic and address post-COVID needs and resources. Much work needs to be done, and I am eager to help.

Candidates for Town Wide Office (Contested races)

​Board of Health
​Library Trustees (3 year term)
Parks and Recreation Commission

Candidates for Town Meeting
​(To find out what precinct you live in, click here)

Precinct 1
Precinct 2
Precinct 3
Precinct 4
Precinct 5
Precinct 6
​Precinct 7
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