Moving the District Forward, Together

My name is Natasha Sikorski-Onken, and I am running for the Acton-Boxborough School Committee.

I am running because I believe our schools are one of the most important assets of our community. As the district enters a period of significant change, including the elementary school reorganization, long-term budget planning, and the transition to new district leadership, it is essential to have Committee members who listen carefully, ask the necessary questions, and focus on the long-term success of our students and schools.

Through my career in higher education administration, I have a deep understanding of these types of complex challenges and experience in working to develop responsible and innovative solutions. I approach issues thoughtfully, by listening, considering all perspectives, and working toward logical, practical solutions with a goal of building consensus. My work in higher education also uniquely situates me to speak to the skills all AB graduates will need to find success in their educational and professional careers beyond our schools.

I am committed to supporting our educators and programs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive and that our schools continue to reflect the values and priorities of our community.

As a School Committee member, I will work to ensure our schools reflect our community’s values, priorities, and shared goals. To do this, I will focus on three key areas to help guide the district:

Thoughtful Leadership Through District Change

ABRSD is entering a period of meaningful change, and it’s important to have School Committee members who are fully engaged in the decisions shaping the district’s future. I will work to ensure these changes are implemented thoughtfully, with a clear focus on their impact on students, families, and educators.

  • Implementation of the elementary school reorganization

  • Hiring a new district superintendent

  • Responding to shifting enrollment patterns

Protect and Strengthen Educational Excellence

ABRSD is known for its strong schools, dedicated educators and engaged families. One of the most important responsibilities of the School Committee is ensuring the district continues to deliver high-quality education in the midst of the evolving needs of students. The aim should be to protect what makes the district strong while recognizing and responding to areas where improvement is needed.

It is my goal to support the educators and programs that make our schools strong, while looking for opportunities to innovate.

Responsible Long-Term Financial Stewardship

Strong schools and responsible financial planning go hand in hand. The School Committee is responsible for securing the financial sustainability of the district over the long term while continuing to invest in the programs and people that support student success.

The School Committee must balance the needs of the district without placing unsustainable pressure on taxpayers, educators, or students reliant on our stewardship.

About Me

I deeply value public education and the important role school districts play in the strength and success of a community. Like many families in Acton-Boxborough, mine was drawn here because of the incredible reputation of ABRSD. I am also the parent of two elementary school children in the district, which gives me a personal stake in the decisions being made today.

The elementary school reorganization is pushing the town and district into new territory, with a direct impact on my children and their classmates. I have questions and concerns about how the district got here, and I want to be part of how we move forward, ensuring the transition is as smooth as possible. We must protect the many strengths of our elementary schools while also recognizing this as an opportunity for thoughtful change, innovation, and improvement. As a part of the School Committee I hope to have a significant role in ensuring the educational and social-emotional well-being of all of the AB elementary students is at the center of each step of the upcoming transitions.

Since my oldest child entered kindergarten, I have been actively involved at the school level through the PTO, including running the book fair and co-chairing the March Reading Challenge. I also joined the Culture Ambassador Committee, a principal-led initiative focused on strengthening community and inclusivity within the school. At the district level, I participated in the Vision of a Graduate project and was actively engaged in the AB Forward process.

I bring 25 years of experience in higher education administration, where I currently serve as Dean of Student Financial Services at Harvard Law School. Throughout my career I have navigated numerous challenges including changing student needs, evolving institutional priorities, and the need to balance resources responsibly. I serve as a thought partner and expert in my field, working with numerous colleagues across my own school as well as peer institutions. My tenure has also provided me with insights into the evolution of education, including how changes at the secondary level effect student success at the college and graduate levels.

With the elementary reorganization, ongoing financial pressures, and the superintendent search, the district is at a true inflection point. The School Committee will be critical to maintaining and building on AB’s commitment to students, educators, families, and long-term financial sustainability. I believe in strengthening trust, supporting our educators and students, and fostering a community that reflects the values and diversity of our towns and I am committed to ensuring our schools continue to be a source of pride for our community!

Your Questions Answered

  • I’m running for the Acton-Boxborough School Committee because our schools are one of the most important parts of our community, and the decisions being made today will shape the district for years to come. With major initiatives underway and leadership transitions on the horizon, I believe it’s important to have committee members who listen carefully, consider multiple perspectives, and make thoughtful decisions for the long-term health of the district. I want to contribute to ensuring our schools remain strong, supportive environments for students while also maintaining the trust and engagement of the community.

  • I bring a thoughtful, collaborative approach to problem solving and decision-making. I value listening to educators, families, and community members before forming opinions, and I believe good governance requires balancing different viewpoints while keeping students at the center of decisions. I’m committed to approaching the role with preparation, curiosity, and respect for the many people who contribute to making Acton-Boxborough’s schools successful.

  • Over the next several years, the School Committee will play an important role in guiding the district through major decisions, including the implementation of the elementary school reorganization, long-term financial sustainability, and the eventual transition to a new superintendent. I want to help ensure these processes are handled thoughtfully, with transparency and strong community engagement. My goal is to support policies and decisions that maintain the district’s strong educational outcomes while ensuring the system remains sustainable and responsive to the needs of students and families.

  • Our schools are one of the most important investments our community makes, but it’s also important that the district operates sustainably over the long term. I believe the committee should approach budgeting carefully—understanding cost drivers, looking for efficiencies where possible, and making sure decisions reflect both educational priorities and the financial realities facing our towns.

  • Our goal should always be to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. That means supporting strong teaching, providing appropriate academic and social-emotional resources, and making sure policies reflect the diverse needs of students across the district.

  • School committee decisions often involve complex trade-offs. I believe it’s important to listen carefully to community input, ask thoughtful questions, and communicate clearly about how decisions are made. Even when people disagree with the outcome, they should feel the process was thoughtful and respectful.