Kyla McSweeney » Directory

Candidate Statement

My name is Kyla McSweeney and I am running for reelection to the Hopkinton School Committee. I have served on the School Committee the past 2 years. I feel my experience is an asset to the Hopkinton Public Schools. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s degree in Leadership and Policy in Early Childhood Education and a Juris Doctor. I have worked for the Dept of Education and as special education attorney. I am currently employed at the Dept of Early Education and Care managing a grant that goes to school districts to increase access to quality preschool education and ensure equitable access to special education.

Some of the notable contributions I made serving on the school committee during my first year include:

• Co-chairing the Superintendent Search Committee which resulted in the hire for Superintendent Evan Bishop
• Serving as one of two school committee members on the Director of Student Services search
• Attending meetings as a liaison to the Hopkinton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)

Currently I am serving as Chair of the School Committee where I help set the agenda for school committee meetings which have resulted in the inclusion of various speakers such as the Public Health Department and School Principals to discuss issues relevant to the School Committee. I again served on the Director of Student Services search and have participated in interviews for the CFO position and Hopkinton High School principal position. I solicited feedback from diverse members of the community to assist the school committee in voting on the school calendar. I organized a workshop to educate school committee members on how to evaluate the superintendent. I work closely with Superintendent Bishop and the Leadership Team on issues the schools are facing and provide input and thoughtful dialogue. In January, I was the only school committee member to participate in an exercise hosted by the I love you guys foundation in collaboration with Hopkinton Police and Fire Departments to increase our capacity to keep Hopkinton Schools safe in the case of an emergency.

I truly embrace the motto of the HPS, All means All. I show up to support the dedicated educators, administrators and staff of HPS. I attend a variety of school and community events that represent the diversity of our community such as

• The Hopkinton Chinese American Association’s Lunar New Year Gala
• The Hopkinton Muslim Student Association’s Iftar Night
• Senior Capstone Project Fair
• High School Honor Societies Ceremony
• High School plays and musicals
• Unified Sports Basketball Game
• SEPAC Back to School Family Breakfast, festivals and meetings
• Graduation
• Charleswood Groundbreaking and Topping off ceremonies
• Diwali Gala sponsored by SACH

I hope to continue my time on the Hopkinton School Committee to further ensure that Hopkinton PS retain their excellence which I believe is a result of supporting and investing in our educators, communicating and involving families, and inspiring the curiosity and innovation of our students.