SuttonHighNews conducted an interview with each candidate running for an office. Our goal is to provide a more comprehensive look at each candidate so voters can make an informed decision.
SuttonHighNews is not endorsing any candidate. The interviews are being released in a random order with no intent to give anyone more or less time.
All candidates were given the questions in advance. We asked the same questions, in the same order, to each candidate for a particular position.
Q: What is your name, how long have you lived in Sutton, and how many children do you have in or have had in the Sutton Public Schools (how long were they there)?
A: Patrick Royce. I’m a lifelong resident. I grew up here and graduated from Sutton High in 1996.
I’ve got five kids in total, all of whom are either graduates or currently enrolled in SPS, including two graduates of Sutton High (2021 & 2024), a third graduating this year, a current sophomore and a preschooler.
Q: What are the best features of the Sutton Public Schools?
A: For being a small district, the sports offerings are pretty spectacular and we punch above our weight, specifically in soccer.
Additionally, I’d say the community is a significant draw. Being a small town, you end up seeing multiple generations come up through the district, sometimes with former students having their own children taught by the same teachers. You can’t replicate the affinity that students, families and staff have for the town and for the schools.
Q: What is the most crucial issue facing public education?
A: There is no shortage of criticism facing public education these days. We’re facing challenges like most other districts, including funding, enrollment declines over the past decade and operating in a post-Covid world. Public trust is also increasingly important in today’s politicized climate. Balancing student well-being with accountability and structure isn’t an easy task.
Q: How can we properly fund education without dramatically raising taxes?
A: Great question… Funding is a very large piece of the equation. And my response would be to focus on doing right by our students and families and proving that a public education in Sutton is top tier. As enrollment recovers, funding should follow. We should also look at unconventional methods for raising revenue and fees where appropriate. Just because another district does something, shouldn’t mean that we follow suit, but if we are the outlier and giving something away that other districts aren’t, maybe we should reconsider. Additionally, I’m open to naming rights for our buildings and/or facilities. I would call it the “leave no stone unturned” approach to funding.
Q: What do you want to see happen to the Sutton Public Schools over the next three years?
A: I would love to see more feedback from the students, parents and community on the whole. In fact, we’re due for a new strategic plan for the district to help shape that vision. We’ve got a great district and a relatively new and energized administration. I’m excited for the next several years and am looking forward to supporting that shared vision, once developed.
That said, my personal priorities are:
- maintaining strong academics and raising outcomes for all our students
- growing our enrollment to recover some of the losses we’ve had over the past decade that were unrelated to demographic shift
- keeping the small district culture that makes our schools so unique
Q: How much input should parents have in classroom curriculum, and what should happen when state requirements conflict with parental concerns?
A: Short answer – we’re a public school that is overseen by the state (via DESE). There are state standards and requirements that need to be adhered to. But it is important to distinguish between the law and mandatory requirements vs. guidance and best practices. We as a district need to maintain autonomy on the more discretionary matters.
Regarding the voice of families, I would say that a growing number of parents are engaged in their children’s education, and that’s a good thing. Personal values need to be respected and the public schools need to earn and maintain the trust of families. I’m all for opt-out provisions, when applicable, particularly when sensitive subjects are introduced.
Q: What made you decide to seek election?
A: I want the very best for the Sutton Schools. I’m the parent of 3 students in the district (2 in the HS, 1 preschooler) and also the parent of 2 SHS graduates (2021 & 2024). I’m also a lifelong resident and SHS graduate (class of 1996).
Given my prior experience on another public school board, I was interested in the vacant seat last year and felt I could meaningfully contribute to the district. With the one year under my belt, I’ve learned a lot about our school community. The biggest learning curve was adapting to the financing mechanisms for a municipal form of public school. With the solid foundation I now have, I’m ready to use my second year on School Committee to continue the work.
Q: What are your primary credentials that make you an excellent candidate?
A: I have the benefit of having served 1 year as a sitting School Committee member. I’ve got 12 years serving on a public charter school board, with experience in governance and budget oversight that I can lend to the district.
Q: If elected, how will you work to find common ground with your fellow school committee members?
A: Sounds easy, but talking to people. Relationships are built on trust and people can collaborate better with those they know, like and trust. We may not always agree on particular issues, and hopefully we don’t, otherwise there isn’t enough diversity of thought and opinion on the School Committee. Being able to agree to disagree on some matters, while having consensus on others is the hallmark of a healthy organization.
Q: What specific message would you like to share with the voters?
A: I want people to know I’m an authentic person and the votes I’ll take and policies I’ll advocate for will be what I feel are in the best interest of the entire district.
There are many stakeholders in our schools, including students, parents, staff and the community at large. I’ll take into account all stakeholders and balance decisions, but center on the students and families.
