At large: Pamela Foster Albert seeks second term on Auburn School Committee

At Large Auburn School Committee representative Pamela Albert. Submitted photo

AUBURN — At-large Auburn School Committee member Pamela Foster Albert, 45, is seeking reelection. The epidemiologist is seeking her second full term on the committee.

Community engagement:

Auburn School Committee, 2023 Edward Little High School Project Graduation co-chairperson

Allocate more funds to schools or pull back spending? Why?

For the last two years, the School Committee, together with Superintendent Cornelia Brown, has worked hard to provide a school budget that meets the needs of our schools, students and staff while also being fiscally responsible. Making budget cuts is neither an easy nor preferred option, however, it is sometimes necessary. I will always work to make sound budget decisions that prioritize supporting our students and staff, both in the classroom as well as socially and emotionally, so they are in an environment conducive to learning.

Do you believe student safety is a priority and would you support initiatives that address safety issues?

Safety is absolutely a priority for the Auburn School Department. If our students and staff don’t feel safe, then they aren’t in an environment in which they can learn. I recently voted in favor of ALICE training so our staff and students are properly trained to be proactive about making decisions in the moment should an emergency in one of our school buildings arise. It is a priority of the Health and Safety Subcommittee, of which I am the chairperson, to update the current Auburn School Department emergency response plan over the coming year while also implementing ALICE program.

Do you believe students’ social and emotional needs are being met in schools? What could be done differently?

Our Auburn School Department social workers and guidance staff have worked very hard in recent years to address the increased social and emotional needs of students at all levels. However, I feel there is always room to provide more support to students, especially at a time when Maine Integrated Youth Health survey data indicates our youth are experiencing increased rates of depression, substance use, suicide ideation and homelessness. I will always advocate for increased support for our students. Students who feel safe, supported, welcomed and have their basic needs met are more likely to learn and thrive.

Do you believe parents and community members have adequate access to the committee members at meetings or through other methods to express concerns and frustrations?

Per the School Committee’s policies, every School Committee meeting has allocated time for public participation at the beginning of the meeting as well as during agenda items. All School Committee email addresses are available on the Auburn School Department website. I always encourage parents and community members to attend meetings and share their thoughts or to directly email us. It is incredibly helpful to hear thoughts and concerns from the community as our committee does its work to better serve our Auburn School Department community.