Katie Ferreira-Aubin for School Committee

Hi! I wanted to introduce myself and explain why I decided to run for a seat in the Dighton-Rehoboth School Committee. My name is Katie Ferreira-Aubin, and I grew up in Rehoboth, graduated Dighton-Rehoboth High School in 2000. I have a career as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (L.M.H.C.).  I  also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rhode Island College, Master’s Degree in Counseling from Providence College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) from Rhode Island College.  

 I started advocating for in person learning in the summer once I realized that we were not returning in September. I saw in my profession and personal life kids struggle severely with distance/online learning. Depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and self-harm for students during the isolation is detrimental and is showing affects socially, emotionally, behavioral, and cognitive that are showing ongoing affects. Distance learning is increasing at alarming rates. This caused me to get involved in the School Committee meetings and to learn more about what goes on in these meetings and how much impact the School Committee has. It has been no secret that my main goal is to offer in person learning full time and not as much distance learning. I am fearful that in the fall, full time in person learning might not be an option for families. If I am on the School Committee, I will push for this and for the families who want this as productively and aggressively as I am now. In order for this to happen, the math has to be done.  I believe their needs to be a deadline for this to happen each quarter.  Either fully in person or remote.  This will help figure out the spacing and what needs to be addressed.  I cannot understand why this hasn’t been done. This is one of many reasons why I am running to accomplish issues, not just keep talking about them. I will put my words into actions.

  I strongly believe teachers should not teach online as well as in the classroom. There are other districts that are not requiring teachers to do two jobs simultaneously.  This can reduce stress and burnout at a high rate. Other districts have been successful in offering other alternatives for teacher’s and I feel we can do the same. I am willing to find out how we can financially and statistically to achieve this.   

​The School committee needs to be transparent with families. We need information out in a timely manner. I will answer questions directly and specifically and I will not give taxpayers the run around when questions are asked. It has been my experience that the School Committee withholds information until someone asks for it incessantly. I want information out in the forefront and not to dig, search and then procrastinate on releasing the information. I do not procrastinate; it is not in my nature. I will get information out in a timely efficient manner. 

​I believe the taxpayers not the teachers union should be in charge of the school system. I want the majority to be heard in town. The teacher’s union does not and should not run the district. Teachers should have a voice beyond the union. I believe teachers individually should be able to speak up without feeling ostracized. Teachers should have a voice as well, even if it differs from the union. 

 I want to address the budget. I have many questions that again fall on deaf ears. I want to know why DESE has been involved for two years now. When looking at the budget for the school system, its complicated and I feel that it does not have to be. If we have a line-item system, why when someone asks about a line-item on the School Committee meetings they stonewall? We deserve answers!

​Once elected, I will keep advocating for students, families and taxpayers.  This will be a balance but as a full-time working mom advocate and hopefully School Committee member I know I can do this.  We need a voice, and I will use mine to get answers as well as things accomplished. I do not procrastinate and am productively aggressive. I know getting students back full time is temporary and just a part of why I am running. I will continue to take future issues with the district as passionately as I am advocating for in person learning.  Thank you for taking the time to read this. My website is Katiefordrsc.com. Please reach out to me via email if you have any questions that you would like me to answer or if you would like a yard sign to show support. kfaubin@yahoo.com. 

Katie Ferreira-Aubin