Intoppa’s 2025 Platform

Disclaimer: This platform is continually evolving in response to community feedback and current events. This is still in progress.

With every decision I make, I pledge to always incorporate the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, interdependence, and growth mindset. I believe everyone has a seat at the table, and that students have been missing that aspect for a long time now. My decisions are informed by the feedback of community stakeholders and users, as well as the various trainings and experiences I have had. I believe everyone has the right to an equitable and safe experience in our public school systems.

1. Voter Engagement/Education is a severely lacking aspect of the Medford Public Schools. We have amazing faculty who take it upon themselves to go above and beyond to answer questions and get our students registered to vote. During the 2024 Presidential Election, I spent hours working with college students one-on-one to get them registered to vote, absentee/early voting needs, and more. The questions they asked opened my eyes to the ever-evolving needs of getting folks registered to vote for the first time. From a lack of understanding how to register to vote, to an even larger lack of understanding of how to even get there to begin with.

2. Art & Design Education is a key function to society, and that is no exception to Medford. As a former student leader and graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, I know more than anyone just how important that is. Making sure there is space within our community and public schools to foster artistic growth, as well as design, is key to ensuring the academic success of our students. As a former violinist, actor, technician, and artist within the walls of Medford Public Schools, I have firsthand experience working with creatives within the city. Arts are being attacked nationwide, and I not only bring the artist perspective to the table to advocate for the arts, but also the thinking of an artist/designer that makes me a unique voice on the School Committee.

3. The Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility (CCSR) is a valuable asset to this community. It lays foundation for our future as a society and city. How can we, as a committee, better integrate them and shine light on the various projects they are doing on all levels from primary to secondary. As a product of the CCSR - I know it is a valuable program to invest in - that allows our students to grow in their specialties and specific goals they have. The CCSR currently only relies on funding from an outside source - the Cummings Foundation. They are in their third year of a $350,000 ten year grant - however the program cannot afford to consistently rely on getting awarded every ten years.