Inna Belenky

Why are you running and why would you be a great person to serve on the School Committee?

I am seeking re-election to the Sharon School Committee because of my commitment to ensuring that every student in our district receives an appropriate, high-quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment. As both a parent and a career educator, I’ve seen firsthand how policy decisions made at the district level directly affect students, teachers, and families. I want to continue to bring that frontline perspective to the committee and help bridge the gap between classroom realities and district leadership.

I believe in fostering collaboration, equity, and transparency so our schools can truly serve the diverse needs of our community. I care deeply about the quality, equity, and future of public education in our community. Our schools shape the next generation—not just academically, but socially and emotionally—and I believe we have a responsibility to ensure every student has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive. In seeking re-election, I want to continue to work to ensure that all voices are heard and valued in decision-making.

Why would I be a great person to serve on the School Committee?
I bring over 20 years of experience in education as both an instructional assistant, teacher and an administrator. Over the past three years, I've worked collaboratively with district administrators, educators, families, and fellow committee members to uphold the values that make Sharon Public Schools exceptional. I understand how schools operate—what supports teachers need to do their jobs well, what students need to thrive, and how to manage the challenges that come with limited resources. ​ I have a strong commitment to ensure we are all maintaining a level of academic excellence that meets the needs of the individual student. My background gives me a deep understanding of curriculum, staffing, budgeting, and school culture. I’m also a strong communicator and listener, and I’m committed to making data-informed, student-centered decisions. I believe my experience and perspective would be a valuable asset to the committee and to the community at large. I am eager to continue serving our community and working towards our shared vision of Sharon Public Schools.

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066367646940

The School Committee and Superintendent work together every year to develop a $56 million budget. What went well in the past two years and where is there room for improvement?

Over the past two years, one thing that went well in the budget process was a visible effort to preserve core academic programs and student support services during financially difficult times. The School Committee and Superintendent were able to make tough decisions while prioritizing class sizes, special education needs, and staffing stability.

However, as someone with experience as a teacher and administrator, I believe we can improve by continuing to have budget conversations early, involving more voices throughout the process, and tying every dollar more visibly to student outcomes and district goals. There was a lack of transparency around how budget priorities were set and how trade-offs were evaluated. Additionally, long-term planning around enrollment trends, building needs, and staffing sustainability didn’t always feel clearly connected to the annual budget decisions and district goals.

It’s not just about balancing the numbers—it’s about building a shared understanding of what we value as a community and how we invest in our students.

The School Committee has had to make some very painful cuts in staff and programs due to budget.  If there was suddenly an extra $200,000 found in the budget, how would you spend it? Choose between reducing fees, hiring more teacher's aides, rehiring teachers, or reinstating the DEI Director position. 

If there were an unexpected $200,000 available in the budget, I would prioritize rebuilding and strengthening our in-district special education programs. Specifically, I would advocate for hiring additional specialized staff—such as instructional assistants and interventionists—and investing in training and resources that allow us to better support students with diverse learning needs right here in Sharon.

As an educator and administrator, I’ve seen the significant academic and emotional benefits when students can remain in their home schools, with appropriate services and support. Not only is this the best outcome for many students and families—it’s also a smart long-term financial decision. Out-of-district placements can cost significantly more than investing in in-district capacity, and they often remove students from their peers and communities.

By using these funds to expand our continuum of services, we can better serve students across the full spectrum of needs, reduce future out-of-district costs, and move closer to a truly inclusive model that benefits all learners. This kind of investment supports our core mission while making our district more sustainable and responsive.

Name one thing the School Committee could do to improve the academics in Sharon schools.

One meaningful way the School Committee could improve academics in Sharon schools is by investing in expanded, targeted academic support and enrichment in the first and second tier of instruction—especially in foundational areas like early literacy and numeracy.

As someone who has worked in education as both a teacher and an administrator, I’ve seen how critical early intervention and differentiated instruction are to long-term student success. When we provide high-quality support for students who are struggling—and enrichment for those who are ready for more challenge—we create a learning environment where all students can thrive while getting their individual needs met.

Whether we look at hiring additional reading specialists and math interventionists, ensuring that our Special Educators are appropriately trained in specialized curriculums, or expanding access to advanced coursework and project-based learning, we must ensure that all students have access to rigorous and individualized coursework and teachers have the appropriate training, time and tools to evaluate student progress.

With smart, student-centered investments, we can make sure Sharon’s academic excellence is both rigorous and equitable.

Social gender transition means to treat a student as a member of a different gender, for example by using a different name and pronouns. Under what circumstances do you believe it is appropriate for schools to socially transition children to a different gender without telling their parents?

I believe that schools must prioritize the safety, well-being, and dignity of every student. In general, parents should be partners in their child’s educational and personal development, and open communication between schools and families is ideal. That said, these situations are not black-and-white. Each case should be handled with great care, compassion, and professional judgment, ideally involving counselors, administrators, and other support staff. The goal is to support the student while also—whenever possible—helping them build toward a safe, trusting relationship with their family.