Improving equity outcomes opportunities futures
for every student.
Hi! I’m Liz Eldridge, a parent and advocate running for Ward 2 School Committee in Somerville. I’m running because I believe our elected officials must do more to improve student outcomes. My focus is on meeting student needs through collaboration, transparency, and a strong commitment to equity.
Every student outcome matters.
Every voice counts.
A commitment to collaborative and creative solutions with real, impactful outcomes not barred by finances.
Equity = Meeting Student Needs
More than 50% of our students are not meeting grade level expectations. Every student deserves the resources and support to succeed. As an advocate for education, Liz understands the challenges families currently face in getting their students' needs met and the broader impact on educators, classrooms, and schools when needs go unaddressed.
Our Students Should Thrive,
Not Just Survive School.
Meeting student needs directly correlates to improving academic outcomes, which leads to better attendance, improved social and emotional well being, stronger peer relationships, better learning environments, reduced teacher turnover, and successful students. When each student receives an equitable education that meets their needs, we not only improve outcomes, we build healthier schools, communities and a stronger Somerville that is leading the way in equity and student outcomes.
Success Starts with Collaboration
Parents, teachers, and community members deserve a voice in shaping Somerville’s schools. No one person has all the answers - collaboration is key to building the future of education our students need and deserve. Collaboration requires transparency, more inclusive decision making, and stronger parent engagement to ensure policies reflect the needs of the entire student body and community. By fostering collaboration and ongoing open communication, together we'll build a district that is leading the way in student outcomes.
“When we work together, we make change happen."
#ElectLizEldridge #AdvocateForChange #CommunityDrivenLeadership
Why is NOW the time to vote for change? Right now, more than half of Somerville students aren’t meeting grade-level expectations in READING or MATH according to 2024 data. Sadly, that number increases when we look at marginalized communities within our district. In short, the system we currently have in place isn’t working and year after year, student outcomes aren’t improving. It's time for a change. Our students and community can't afford to wait any longer.
Liz isn’t a politician. She’s a passionate parent running for Ward 2 School Committee because she’s ready to do the hard work to improve outcomes, ensure equity for every student, that every educator has the resources to succeed, and every family and community member has a voice in shaping our schools.
As Chair of the Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SSEPAC), Liz fully understands what it means and truly what it takes to fight for improving student outcomes. A fierce advocate, she has fought for greater transparency, collaboration and communication. She continues to press for real solutions to improve how families, caregivers, and community members interact with and navigate Somerville Public Schools.
Key Achievements & Impact
Since accepting the SSEPAC Chair role in December 2024, in a short amount of time, Liz Eldridge and two fellow officers have been actively implementing initiatives informed by the first ever SSEPAC parent survey. Their work has focused on empowering caregivers, increasing transparency and accountability, and taking a proactive, preventative approach to education.
Under Liz’s leadership, SSEPAC has seen significant engagement, advocacy, and collaboration, positioning the organization for groundbreaking progress and impactful solutions to challenges families are facing.
✅ Strengthened Communication & Connection
• Launched a SSEPAC WhatsApp group to facilitate real-time parent communication.
• Revitalized SSEPAC social media page as an informative resource for families and to expand outreach and engagement.
• Increased active and engaged membership by 250%.
• Initiated SSEPAC School Liaisons to improve outreach and accessibility.
✅ Enhanced Collaboration & Advocacy
• Increased engagement with the School Committee, including representation at meetings, informative conversations.
• Initiated the first SSEPAC School Committee Liaison.
• Established consistent monthly meetings and business meetings to ensure ongoing community dialogue.
• Launched the first of it's kind Listening Initiative to gather real time parent feedback and concerns.
• Conducted and synthesized the first SSEPAC community survey, following DESE recommendations, to inform advocacy efforts.
• Consistently coordinate with key district leaders including Director of Special Education, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction.
✅ Improved Transparency & Accountability
• Hosted the first Special Education budget presentation to give families insight into resource allocation.
• Upcoming presentation by SPS for families on the final three contenders for literacy curriculum.
• Collected and shared DIBELS data on student performance.
• Developed an official monthly SSEPAC newsletter to improve communication and community engagement.
• Consistently following up on requests for additional information and advancements, ensuring accountability, transparency and forward progress.
✅ Groundbreaking Events & Parent Education
• Hosted expert-led event, with Dr. Nadine Gaab, nationally recognized literacy expert.
• Facilitated community events, such as the Special Education Meet & Greet.
• Ongoing collaboration with local organizations to increase advocacy efforts.
✅ Laying the Foundation for Long-Term Impact
• Continue to advocate for upholding the legally mandated advisory & participatory role of SSEPAC in district decision-making process.
• Efforts are underway to establish SSEPAC as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to generate funding for additional advocacy and educational opportunities.
• Collaboration with School Committee to support the passing of a resolution to support the community.
• Reestablished collaboration with Somerville Public School's communication outlets to enhance communication and collaboration with families and caregivers.
Connect with Liz, let's improve outcomes together
Reach out, I'd love to hear from you!