Hello! My name is Sri Baqri. I am running to be a Needham School Committee Member in the upcoming Annual Town Election. I am a scientist (LinkedIn) and a mom of two girls who are in the Needham Public School system. I have lived in 5 countries and speak 7 languages. I’ve been fortunate to have exposure to various educational systems, ways of learning and measures of academic excellence. My lived experiences define the value and passion I have for public schools and the role they play in laying the foundation for a fulfilling life for our children.
My motivation to be a School Committee Member comes from the connections I have built working with parents, educators and students at several levels.
Read more about me.
I serve as Vice President of the Mitchell Elementary School PTC, where I am focused on supporting the wonderful families of Needham and building strong ties with METCO families. For several years I have worked closely with the Mitchell chapter of Boston Friends and Family as well as the REAL coalition on actions towards promoting inclusive and equitable practices for the benefit of all students in our community. I’m a member of the Needham Resilience Network where I trained to understand, recognize and respond to youth mental health issues. Last year, I was invited to be a part of the Needham Public Schools strategic planning process and rethink the criteria around the portrait of a Needham graduate.
I also draw inspiration from my interactions with Ph.D. and MD students at Harvard Medical School, where I have been a guest lecturer teaching scientific communication for nearly a decade.
I began my career as a life science consultant, using educational tools to train elementary and middle school students and teachers on basic molecular biology.
I’m excited to bring my experiences and a fresh perspective to the School Committee if I am fortunate to have the honor of your vote and the privilege of serving this community.
I would love to hear what is important to you. For feedback and questions you can e-mail me at
sri.for.schools@gmail.com
There are three pillars that I believe are absolutely important for our schools
Enhancing Academic Performance
Academic performance isn’t just about average test scores and school rankings, it is also about ensuring our children have the literacy proficiency they need to enjoy their quest of knowledge. Only 63% of our elementary school children are reading at or above their level and for Math proficiency that number is 62%.
Our schools should be cultivating an environment that encourages innovation and sparks curiosity. We need more Needham school student representation at science fairs, art competitions, debate circuits, STEM competitions etc. We need a balance between individual device-based learning and team-based problem solving. Continued improvement in the academic performance of Needham Public Schools can be the foundation of sustained growth for our town.
Preparing Our Children for the Future
Our children are growing up in world beset with domestic and international strife. Social media
continues to play a vital role in their lived experiences. Technology, especially AI, is rapidly transforming society in ways we never anticipated.
Academic performance is not going to be enough; we must equip them with the emotional and mental strength to navigate this new world. Our education system should support them with early tools and trainings to manage stress, build confidence and develop resilience. An all-around education in Needham Public Schools must prioritize diversity, inclusivity, mental health and well-being of our children.
Thoughtful Resourcing of Our School System
The 2025 budget for Needham Public Schools is close to $100M. It is secondary whether this is too much or too little; what is more important is that resources are being deployed thoughtfully to maximize direct benefit to students. We need competitive contracts for our teachers so we can attract and retain talent, best-in-class infrastructure to support education, sport and development, and adequate support for the needs of all students so they can thrive and develop to their full potential.