By Christine M. Quirk and Laura Hayes — [email protected]
Families of younger METCO students once again have representation on the School Committee: Parent Michelle MacDougall has filled a vacant seat on the board.
“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to volunteer in this way and help the Concord school district,” MacDougall told The Concord Bridge.
MacDougall will serve as the METCO rep for grades K-8 — a role previously held by Ayesha Lawton, who moved to the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District seat after representative Domingos DaRosa resigned in November.
MacDougall, assistant director of facilities for the Boston Fire Department, has spent most of her life in the city. She grew up in Mission Hill, and her family moved to Roslindale when she was a teen.
“I’d like to think I’m in tune with Boston families,” said MacDougall, a graduate of Boston Public Schools.
MacDougall’s daughter Kayleigh is in kindergarten at Alcott Elementary School through the METCO program and loves it, she said. Her 14-year-old son attends public school in Boston.
“Having her attend the METCO program is a great opportunity for her. We’re very excited,” said MacDougall.
MacDougall knew the position had opened but said she told METCO K-8 director Solange Benjamin she “didn’t want to jump in unless nobody else was jumping in.”
“I know that seat is probably better suited for a family of color. I didn’t want to step on toes; I wanted to allow other people the opportunity to have their voice be heard,” she said.
After another person expressed interest but later said the role wouldn’t work for them, Lawton reached out to MacDougall, who said she was happy to “step up.”
School Committee chair Carrie Rankin welcomed MacDougall at the March 25 meeting.
“We’re very excited to get to know you and welcome you to the table,” she said.
MacDougall said her biggest goal as liaison is to ensure she’s serving the METCO families “the way they want to be represented.”
Lawton told The Bridge she’s excited another person is joining to “be a voice for the METCO families.” She said MacDougall can relay concerns from her fellow elementary parents.
“I think it takes a lot of courage,” Lawton said. “I respect the fact that she wants to take on this role. It’s such a huge commitment.”
