Editor’s Note: Four candidates, incumbent Katherine Duggan and challengers Barbara Lee, Isabel Gomes-McCann and Stacie Noble Shriver, are running for two open seats for three-year terms on the Rochester School Committee. The Wanderer invited candidates in all contested races in Tri-Town municipal elections to submit statements on their candidacy. Below are the responses.
Katherine Duggan
My name is Kate Duggan, and I’m asking for your vote for a third term on the Rochester Memorial School Committee.
I’ve lived in Rochester for over 16 years with my husband and our two children, who both attend RMS. As a former Chair of the Rochester Cultural Council, longtime PTO member, and regular volunteer in the school building, I’m deeply invested in our community and our school’s success.
Over six years on the School Committee, I’ve learned what effective service in this role looks like. This past year, my first as Chair, we faced unprecedented budget pressures driven largely by extraordinary special education costs. Through collaborative work with the Select Board, Finance Committee, and school administration, we navigated these challenges while protecting what matters most: our students and the educators who serve them. I’m committed to continuing to work with all stakeholders as partners, not adversaries, to solve problems together.
Looking ahead, my priorities include ensuring adequate and appropriately distributed staffing so our educators can give students the attention they deserve; improving transparency about our budget so the community understands both our challenges and our achievements; continuing to center the student voice by inviting them to share their learning at School Committee meetings; and advocating at the state level for funding reforms that more equitably support small districts like Rochester.
Our teachers work tirelessly to create the safe, caring environment where our children learn and grow. They deserve School Committee members who respect their professionalism, advocate for the resources they need, and make decisions with student needs in mind, just like they do. I bring experience, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to Rochester students, and with your vote I will continue advancing the interests of Rochester Memorial School for the next three years.
Barbara Lee
My name is Barbara Lee, I am a mother of two children in the Rochester school system and we are proud to call Rochester our home for nearly five years. I’ve grown to know many of the parents, residents, and teachers of the town through volunteering my time between the local Cub Scouts, PTO events, and the RMS School Council. In addition to the community involvement, I am employed at one of the top Retirement companies with over 25 years of customer service experience, majority being in financial operations.
With my financial background, I intend to focus on the budgets and expenses, keeping the residents in mind. In addition to budget concerns, recent events have made residents highly aware of current policies in place with little transparency. I strongly feel, with the right representatives, we can come up with a compromise where everyone feels heard, safe, and supported. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will continue serve the town of Rochester by being a representative who listens and shares the community’s voice on school issues and financial obligations.
One of the most important roles of a school committee member is being able to listen to concerns, relate with the residents/parents, as well as try to use their resources to be able to problem solve possible solutions. I respectfully ask for your support and would appreciate your vote on May 27th.
Isabel Gomes-McCann
Thirty years ago, my husband and I chose Rochester. My children grew up in these schools starting in Project Grow. After 20 years of working in molecular biology both academia and biotech, I left my job to stay home. The flexibility meant I could volunteer in the school district — and I did for 19 years. Rochester’s schools shaped my kids. I want to protect what is great about them while moving into the future.
A school committee has three core jobs: budget, personnel, and policy. I believe I’m ready for each one.
On budget — I won’t pretend there’s a magic solution for our deficit. There isn’t. But financial literacy matters enormously here. I’ve created and managed budgets in biotech, academia, and for a large Boston church. I’ve had two years of college finance. I can read a budget, analyze it, and defend it. And when it comes to negotiating for resources — I’m professionally trained and have closed dozens of business and IP contracts.
On personnel — the committee’s most consequential job is hiring and evaluating the superintendent. I’ve hired across multiple settings, written dozens of performance reviews, and served on search committees, including one right here in Rochester for an assistant principal.
On policy — good policy means rules that serve kids while following the law. I’ve developed policy governing an $11 million commercial territory, scientific conferences, product trials, and on our Church Council, setting pastoral and organizational direction.
Here is what ties it all together: every decision must be driven by data and results. That’s not a talking point for me — it’s the discipline my entire career was built on, backed by two years of college probability, statistics, and analytics.
Rochester has given my family so much. I’d be honored to give something back. I would appreciate your vote.
Stacie Noble-Shriver
Our children only get one education. Recently surfaced problems at RMS have not been handled well by the current leadership. Parents should never feel unheard when it comes to their children’s education and safety. I’m Stacie Noble Shriver, MS, MD, and I’m running to be your next RMS School Committee member. I’m here to advocate for the Rochester Memorial School Committee to help us get back on track making education the main thing. Children need a stable emotional environment. Teachers need to know that they are not going to be penalized for standing for their values. Teachers need to know we will be responsible in balancing the budget without jeopardizing their job. I’ve talked with parents who feel excluded from their child’s educational content at school because they are put off when requesting full curriculum disclosure. By working together, I will be the voice of fairness.
My background in practicing medicine has given me decades of experience listening to patients and using discernment in communication, while focusing on best outcome. I am a mother of three ORR graduates living with my husband in Rochester for 26 years. My priority is the students. I will be the leadership parents can trust. Families across Rochester want schools that are calm, focused, accountable and financially responsible. Barbara Lee and I believe every decision should begin with one simple question: “What is best for the students?” We will be the thoughtful leadership that the Rochester Memorial School Committee needs to create a culture of accountability. Please vote for us on May 27.