From Health Advocate to Education Champion: Lisa Mair’s Journey and Vision for Berlin Boylston Schools
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Journey from Senate Candidate to School Committee Member
Jerry Filmore, Editor in Chief of What’s Up Worcester, recently conducted an insightful interview with Lisa Mair, a School Committee Member at Berlin Boylston Regional School District. Lisa, who has also been an Ambassador for Braver Angels and a former candidate for the Massachusetts State Senate, shared her journey and the motivations behind her current role.
“I never envisioned myself being in any kind of public office,” Lisa revealed. Her background in nutrition, health, and wellness has always been her primary focus. However, the events of 2020 catalyzed her decision to enter public service. Lisa stated, “It became apparent that the government is also a direct threat to our health and wellbeing.” She highlighted the alarming rise in mental health issues among children, attributing this to governmental policies. “I am aware of many of the root causes, which Public Health won’t address, and I want to get involved in any way I can to protect everyone, especially kids.” When a position on the local school committee opened up after her Senate race, she enthusiastically stepped up to make a difference.
Inspiration for Running for Republican State Committee Woman
When asked about her decision to run for the Republican State Committee Woman position in the 2024 Presidential Primary, Lisa did not mince words. “The government is not only attacking our health, but it is attacking our rights.” She explained how her political views evolved, “For most of my life, I considered myself a liberal Democrat. However, the party changed dramatically while we were sleeping.” Her campaign focused on protecting constitutional rights, fighting censorship, and standing up against what she perceives as the leftist agenda. Lisa passionately expressed, “If I sound unhinged talking about ‘rights’ and ‘freedom,’ I suggest that you listen to both sides with an open mind and get the full story about what’s happening to us.”
Connecting Education Policies to Local Politics
Lisa shared her insights on integrating her experience in education and politics to benefit local education policies. She is actively involved in the School District Wellness Committee, which recently completed a major revision of the school wellness policy. “Everything is geared towards supporting kids in adopting healthy habits that will benefit their mental and physical health for their entire lives,” she explained. Her goal is to extend these healthy habits to the wider community through various initiatives and communications.
Challenges in the Berlin Boylston Education System
Lisa identified budget constraints as one of the most pressing challenges facing the Berlin Boylston education system. “The cost of everything is skyrocketing thanks to poor federal decisions and state budget is shrinking thanks to poor state level policy,” she observed. As a school committee member, she prioritizes students’ needs while navigating harsh budget realities. Lisa emphasized the importance of proper school funding and reducing unnecessary spending if she were in the state legislature.
Ensuring Priority of Students, Parents, and Educators
Lisa is committed to ensuring that the needs and concerns of students, parents, and educators remain a priority. She stated, “Students are the priority because it is our moral duty to care for their health, education, and future.” Her advocacy focuses on creating a healthy environment, inspiring curriculum, and protecting rights with the next generation in mind.
Passion for Specific Initiatives and Reforms
One of Lisa’s primary initiatives is the School District Wellness Policy, aimed at improving students’ health. She also raised concerns about the impact of man-made wireless radiation on health. “Wireless radiation also increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier – the membrane that keeps harmful chemicals out of our brains – and unsurprisingly contributes to mental health issues and attention deficit disorder,” she warned, urging public awareness and action to address this issue.
Fostering Collaboration and Consensus-Building
Addressing the division in society, Lisa emphasized the need for listening and learning from each other. As an ambassador for Braver Angels, she is dedicated to promoting dialogue and understanding. “It’s like marriage counseling for the community,” she described, hoping to involve Braver Angels more in local discussions to heal divisions and ensure all voices are heard.
Advocating for Equitable Access to Education
Lisa commended the Berlin Boylston school district’s efforts in providing equitable access to education. “Discreet, subsidized lunches are available for any kids in need,” she noted, along with systems to support families facing financial difficulties. She sees her role as ensuring these values are upheld and engaging with the community to gather feedback.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability
Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of Lisa’s approach on the School Committee. “Everything is public record,” she affirmed, outlining the committee’s adherence to open meeting laws, public invitations to participate, and strict compliance with state ethics training.
Long-Term Goals and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Lisa’s long-term goals for the Berlin Boylston School Committee focus on creating a healthy, welcoming environment that inspires students. She hopes to improve school lunches, promote wellness policies, protect students from ideological conflicts, and reduce exposure to wireless radiation. Additionally, she is exploring renewable energy options to reduce costs and redirect funds towards enhancing the curriculum.
Lisa Mair’s journey from a health advocate to a dedicated public servant reflects her deep commitment to improving the lives of students and the community. Her multifaceted approach and passion for addressing health and educational challenges make her a pivotal figure in the Berlin Boylston Regional School District.
