What are people saying?
I am Sussen Gazal, a Brazilian single mother, a 16-year Somerville resident, and the proud parent of a Somerville public school graduate! I’m also proud to endorse my neighbor, Michele Lippens, a dedicated teacher, for the School Committee.
I have been deeply impressed by Michele’s drive and her commitment to serving our community, which has faced ongoing challenges from ICE throughout this past year. Michele is steadfast in her dedication to keeping our sanctuary schools safe havens for children who have experienced fear and family separation. She also stands firmly with teachers who work tirelessly to defend and educate their students.
Michele’s professional experience as an educator uniquely equips her to play a decisive and compassionate role in strengthening our city’s school system.✊🏽❤️
Sussen Gazal
Ward 3 neighbor, activist
For school committee Ward 3, the Somerville Educators Union endorses Michele Lippens.
As many of you know Somerville loves performative progressivism. But there are the people who can be counted on to do equity and justice work even when no one is looking, even when it isn’t glamorous or exciting, and even when it requires genuine sacrifice. I have known Michele Lippens for almost a decade and every day in every role she has been that sort of selfless builder of the beloved community. I can’t wait to bring her knowledge of successfully launching inclusion to the Somerville School Committee. We have a lot of work to do and she’s the person to help us do it.
Andre Green
Ward 4 School Committee Member
As a member of the SEU, a Ward 3 resident, and a parent, I am proud to support Michele for School Committee because I know how important it is to have someone on the School Committee who truly understands both the classroom and the challenges families face.
Her voice is critical because she sees the full picture; what students need to thrive, what teachers need to succeed, and how schools can better serve the diverse needs of families across Somerville. Michele’s insight as an educator will ensure that decisions are grounded in real classroom experience, not just theory, and that they reflect the concerns and hopes of parents and caregivers.
Michele will be a strong voice for families and educators, ensuring that every student’s and family’s needs are heard, met, and addressed with experience, empathy, and action.
Cesar Urrunaga
7th grade Math teacher at the East Somerville Community School, Ward 3 Resident, and Member of the Somerville Educator’s Union
Michele is the right candidate for these difficult times.
Michele’s candidacy affords the Ward 3 voters access to her vast experience as a teacher and advocate. There will be no learning curve, she will hit the ground running. She is a strong candidate who is ethical, committed, and prepared.
I endorse Michele Lippens unequivocally and without reservation for School Committee Member for Ward 3 on November 4th.
Dorothy A. Kelly Gay
Former Mayor of the City of Somerville;
Former Governor’s Councilor
Former School Committee Member, Ward 3
As a former Ward 5 School Committee member (2006-13) and Ward 5 City Councilor (2014-21), I’m delighted to support Michele Lippens in her campaign to represent Ward 3 on the Somerville School Committee.
Michele has a passion for education, a commitment to equity, and, thanks to nearly 20 years’ experience as a Cambridge public school teacher, a deep understanding of what happens in classrooms.
Since 2020, Michele has been a volunteer leader of the Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Council, where she shared vital resources with families, spoke at School Committee meetings on behalf of our most vulnerable youth, and built trusted relationships with parents and caregivers.
Her perspective as both a public school teacher and public school parent will contribute great value and insight to the work. If elected, she will bring thoughtful leadership and dedication on behalf of Ward 3 and all Somerville students and families.
Mark Niedergang
Former Ward 5 School Committee Member
Former Ward 5 City Councillor
Conwell Street (just one block from Ward 3!)
Michele and I have worked at the same school for the past four years. In her role as math coach, I’ve observed her capacity to build relationships with students, parents, colleagues and administrators; explaining complex issues to each group in a clear and accessible manner. This is a crucial skill for any school committee member.
Michele spent 15 years of her career teaching students with disabilities. This is where we first met. I was and still am impressed by her ability to understand the diverse needs and values of each student and using this understanding to prioritize student learning.
As a School Committee Member Michele will make informed decisions based on data, analysis, and sound judgment. She desires to make a positive impact not only on the lives of her own children, but on each child in Somerville Public Schools. We need Michele Lippens on the School Committee!
Tracy Leah Pratt
Educator in Cambridge Public Schools
Somerville Media Center Board Member
Michele always saw the needs of my special-needs kids and worked to meet them where they are. As a mom, a special education teacher, and a fighter, she is someone I want at the table making decisions that affect Somerville kids.
Kat Rutkin
Somerville public school parent
Teaching is a specific and special kind of profession. It’s not for everyone. Those who haven’t worked with children in a school have no idea what goes on. As a teacher myself for the past 17 years, I know having an actual teacher (and mother) on the school committee makes sense. I’ve known Michele as a dear friend and neighbor for 10 years. If elected, she’ll make informed decisions on behalf of our city’s children and and schools.
Emily Smidt
Somerville resident, Ward 3 parent, and art teacher in Waltham Public Schools
Hello Somerville!
My name is Lily Rayman-Read. I have been an educator in Cambridge for 15 years, and School Committee member in Watertown for 8, and I am writing to endorse my colleague Michele Lippens, who I believe would make a valuable and needed addition to your school committee. Having an educator on School Committee brings a completely different skill set to the table — including the ability to relate and work with the Somerville Educators in a way that allows for incredible collaboration and mutual understandings. That is a benefit in the work of a school committee member that cannot be overstated.
Lily Reed
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
Watertown School Committee Member
For over 5 years, Michele Lippens has taught my two sons. Her enthusiasm for teaching is contagious and she genuinely cares about her students. Her deep understanding of the challenges students and teachers face makes her an ideal candidate for the school committee.
Amy Sguelia
Parent at the Peabody school (Cambridge)
Michele has spent her career in education and has seen the system from every possible angle—a teacher, a teacher of teachers, and a parent. She’s focused on practical steps we can take to get kids the support they need to succeed. She’s exactly the sort of person who should be on the School Committee.
Emily Lacika
Somerville parent