School Committee Forum recap: March 16, 2026

Mar 27

(5-6 minute read)

For residents looking to stay informed ahead of the upcoming election, a School Committee candidates forum brought together the three candidates to discuss key issues facing Reading Public Schools.

The forum was held at the Reading Public Library on Monday, March 16, 2026, and hosted by the Reading Democratic Town Committee, with candidates Erin Gaffen (incumbent), Geoffrey Coram, and Lori Hayes participating.

The event was moderated by Jennifer Hillery, and questions were asked by Tom Grant and Megan Fidler-Carey.

Watch the full forum below on the RCTV Youtube page.

Key takeaways

Candidates broadly aligned on collaboration, but differed in emphasis on policy and process
All three candidates highlighted a collaborative approach, though their answers reflected different priorities in areas like budget planning, governance, and policy implementation.
Budget pressures and potential override remain central concerns
Each candidate acknowledged financial challenges ahead, with differing perspectives on how to plan for long-term sustainability.
Technology, student well-being, and communication were recurring themes
Candidates pointed to cell phones, social media, and mental health as major issues impacting students.

Candidate backgrounds and priorities [4:37]

Each candidate emphasized their experience and connection to the district, while highlighting different strengths:

Erin Gaffen emphasized her six years on the School Committee and background as an educator, parent, and Town Meeting Member. She pointed to accomplishments such as full-day kindergarten and ongoing district improvements, framing her candidacy around continuity and collaborative governance.
Geoffrey Coram highlighted his 25 years in Reading, including extensive PTO involvement and service on the Finance Committee. He focused on fiscal oversight and long-term budget planning, particularly as the district may face an override.
Lori Hayes pointed to her professional experience managing large-scale projects and her perspective as a parent. She emphasized evidence-based instruction, early literacy, and ensuring that all students, regardless of background, are supported.

Budget and financial outlook

All three candidates identified the budget as a key issue, but with differing areas of focus.

Gaffen emphasized balancing student needs with fiscal responsibility, referencing her experience navigating previous budget decisions and overrides.
Coram raised concerns about structural budget challenges, including year-to-year fluctuations in certain revenue sources and their implications for future budgets.
Hayes highlighted upcoming pressures, including teacher contract negotiations and rising costs, and suggested exploring additional funding strategies, including community-based support.

Superintendent leadership and transition [18:28]

Candidates were largely aligned on the importance of continuity, but offered different perspectives on leadership priorities:

Gaffen emphasized the importance of collaboration and stakeholder engagement, noting that the district has moved away from a “top-down” model and should continue building trust.
Coram highlighted communication as a key lesson from past leadership challenges and stressed the need to listen to both current and former stakeholders.
Hayes focused on ensuring the next superintendent understands the district’s vision and is prepared to manage upcoming challenges, including budget and program demands.

Key policy discussions

Book access and curriculum [39:46]

Candidates were asked about access to books in schools, including past challenges in Reading, such as the 2023 concerns over Gender Queer, as well as broader debates around commonly challenged titles like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Gaffen explicitly opposed banning or restricting access to books, emphasizing the importance of representation and of allowing families to guide their children's decisions.
Coram also clearly opposed removing or limiting access, stressing trust in educators and noting that books can play an important role in helping students explore identity and perspectives.
Hayes did not take a direct position on banning books. Instead, she pointed to existing district policies for handling challenges and noted that recent concerns had not escalated to formal School Committee review.

Technology and student well-being [46:35]

All candidates identified technology as a major concern:

Gaffen pointed to the impact of social media, AI, and constant connectivity on students’ mental health and development.
Coram focused on broader risks to student safety and the importance of maintaining strong school environments.
Hayes highlighted increased dysregulation, reduced executive function, and the long-term effects of screen time and pandemic-era disruptions.

External pressures and future risks [34:03]

Candidates also addressed broader challenges facing public education:

Gaffen warned about the potential impact of federal funding cuts and emphasized the importance of maintaining inclusive and supportive school environments.
Coram pointed to reliance on state support and the need to continue advocating for funding at that level.
Hayes suggested exploring long-term financial strategies, including potential community or alumni support, to help buffer against uncertainty.

Leadership style and board culture [29:22]

All three candidates emphasized collaboration, but described it in different ways:

Gaffen highlighted consensus-building and maintaining a focus on students, noting that conflict does not serve the district.
Coram pointed to his experience on the Finance Committee, where decisions are often reached unanimously through compromise.
Hayes emphasized project management, transparency, and proactive communication to avoid surprises and build trust.

Closing thoughts [52:33]

In closing statements, candidates reinforced their priorities:

Gaffen pointed to her experience and expressed optimism about the district’s direction, highlighting progress made during her tenure.
Coram focused on guiding the district through upcoming financial challenges while maintaining strong policies and student support.
Hayes emphasized accountability, organization, and preparing for upcoming decisions around contracts, leadership, and funding.

Residents will have the opportunity to weigh these perspectives when casting their ballots in the upcoming April 7 election.