MARBLEHEAD — Jenny Armini, one of six candidates for 8th Essex District state representative, on Monday released an education plan that focuses on supporting students and teachers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m a proud mom who has lived here for nearly 17 years. I know exactly how important our schools have been to my family,” said Armini. “I also know firsthand the challenges of parenting during the pandemic. Marblehead, Swampscott, and Lynn all have good schools with dedicated teachers and staff. But we have a lot of work to do to fulfill the promise of a great education for all our kids.”
Armini’s plan places particular emphasis on supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic development, which was disrupted by a pandemic that forced students to miss class time and endure a confusing, and often traumatic upending of daily life. The plan includes a call for hiring more adjustment counselors and specialists, providing more professional development for teachers, and boosting the state’s contribution to special education. Armini would use new revenue generated from the Fair Share Amendment, if it passes, to fund elements of her plan.
“As our next state representative, I will prioritize the resources we need to bridge the gaps and build the skills either lost or never developed because of the pandemic,” said Armini. “With the current surplus of state dollars and the prospect of bringing in more revenue through the Fair Share Amendment, we have a unique opportunity to meet these challenges head-on. I refuse to write off a generation of students because they lived at the wrong time.”
Armini’s plan also includes supporting a pathway to universal early child care, an assessment of our reliance on standardized tests, and innovative early college programs in high school.
“We have a collective responsibility to make all of our public schools safe and supportive environments where teachers and staff feel valued, and students can gain critical skills necessary to be successful in school and life,” said Armini.
