The following is a list of the questions that we are asking School Committee candidates.

• Contact information questions

  • Tom Leung

  • 📱: 617-804-5579

  • 📧: tomleungforquincy@gmail.com

  • 🌐: www.tomleungforquincy.com

• What is your political party?

  • Democrat

• Why are you running for office?

  • I’m running for School Committee because I believe Quincy Public Schools can and should prepare every student for life after graduation, whether that path leads to college, trade school, or directly into the workforce. The resources we invest in our schools are investments in Quincy’s future. Even if you don’t have children in the school system, strong public schools benefit everyone. Our graduates become the city’s future neighbors, business owners, artists, tradespeople, and civic leaders.

    We must also do more to support students with special needs and those pursuing vocational pathways. Every student deserves access to a high-quality education that fits their strengths and ambitions.

    As the son of immigrant parents who worked tirelessly so my sister and I could have more opportunities, I understand firsthand the importance of public education. Quincy Public Schools gave me the foundation to succeed in life, thanks to the care and support of so many dedicated teachers and guidance counselors.

    Currently, I’m raising my own family here, with three children enrolled in QPS. I want the best education for them and all Quincy students.

    Representation matters. In a district where nearly 40% of the student population is of Asian descent, our leadership must reflect the diversity of our community. I’m running to help ensure that every student is seen, supported, and given the tools to succeed.

• Do you or does anyone in your family work for the City of Quincy in any capacity? (Please consider first cousins and closer relationships only.) (yes / no)

  • No

• Do you or does anyone in your family own or work at a company that does business with the City of Quincy? (yes / no)

  • No

• Having personal ties to the city does not disqualify a candidate for office by any means. But voters may be concerned that if you answered yes to either of the previous two questions, you may not be willing to speak out on their behalf if doing so might jeopardize your or your family members' relationships with the city. What would you say to those voters?

  • I do not have any personal or financial ties to the City of Quincy that would influence my decision-making. I believe it is important for voters to ask candidates with close personal or professional connections to the city to be transparent about any potential conflicts of interest. If elected, I will advocate for all School Committee members to disclose any such conflicts and to recuse themselves from decisions where a conflict exists. Transparency and accountability are essential to earning and maintaining public trust

• What are the three most pressing issues facing QPS, and how would you tackle them?

  oWe need more voices from parents who are directly engaged in the school system. One of my campaign goals is to connect with residents and parents who have traditionally been underrepresented in Quincy Public Schools, and to identify the barriers that prevent their participation. If elected, I will work collaboratively with fellow School Committee members to address these barriers over time. I believe the most effective solutions come from listening to those who are directly impacted.
  
  o Another key priority is improving language access for English Language Learner (ELL) families. We need to ensure that these families not only have access to translation and interpretation services but also receive clear guidance on how to use them. Making language access truly functional and inclusive will empower families to be more involved in their children’s education. When parents are informed and engaged, student outcomes naturally improve both academically and socially.
  
  o Modernize school infrastructure and technology. We need to plan for our growing student population and ensure that class sizes don't get too big. We need thoughtful policies and procedures to guide the usage of AI tools in our schools. There is a lack of certified licensed librarians in the elementary schools, and they are uniquely qualified to teach research skills, and can cover how to properly use AI.
  

• Which of the 19 school buildings are you familiar with, and are there any building issues you want to discuss?

  • At Lincoln-Hancock, the elevator has been out of service for most of the 2024–2025 school year. This is a serious accessibility issue that should have been addressed much sooner. The situation also raises broader concerns about whether other schools in the district may be facing similar issues or potentially violating ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. A district-wide assessment of accessibility and infrastructure should be a priority. o At one of my meet-and-greet events, a teacher shared concerns about significant repair needs in some school buildings. School Committee members must be kept informed about these types of facility issues, and there needs to be a clear process to track progress and ensure accountability when repairs are requested or reported. Safe, well-maintained schools are essential for a strong learning environment.

• If elected, would you go out into the community to hold town-hall-type meetings at least once every year?

  • Yes

• If elected, will you create an online newsletter or blog to keep your constituents informed?

  • Yes

• If elected, will you take advantage of the city's translation services for your newsletter and town halls?

  • Yes

• How should the school committee respond if ICE agents take members of the school community into custody, as happened recently in New York state?

  • ICE agents should not be allowed on school premises. Schools are meant to be safe havens for learning, not places of fear and surveillance. Allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate in or near schools undermines students' right to an education and endangers the emotional and psychological well-being of immigrant children, many of whom are here because their families fled extreme situations in search of a better life

• Do you believe there are only two biological sexes?

  • declined to answer

• Should trans students be allowed to use the bathroom of their choice?

  • Yes

• Explain what you think QPS's EDI director does, and what, if anything, you will do to support that work.

  • The DEI Director helps make QPS more inclusive and equitable by addressing disparities, supporting diverse hiring, guiding equitable policies, and fostering a respectful school culture. I’ll support this by listening openly, treating others with respect, speaking up against bias, and helping create a welcoming environment for all families.

• How aware are you of increasing behavioral and mental health challenges facing the school community at every level, and what are your proposed solutions?

  • I recognize the growing behavioral and mental health challenges our students face, especially post-pandemic. Increased screen time and social media exposure can deeply affect emotional well-being. I strongly support the efforts QPS is putting in to support the mental health of our students. Currently, there is a shortage of adjustment counselors in the system. I plan to work together with QPS to help build more capacity to hire more mental health professionals.
    

• If you'd like to add any comments about any of your answers, please do so here.

  • Gender identity and sexual orientation are deeply personal aspects of who someone is, and each individual has the right to define their own identity. As a community, we must acknowledge and respect these differences and treat all individuals—regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation with dignity, compassion, and humanity.

    Public education plays a critical role in shaping an inclusive and equitable society. That means teaching students not only academics but also the values of respect, empathy, and justice. When we acknowledge and support individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations, we affirm their humanity and strengthen our democracy by modeling the very principles of equal protection and dignity under the law.

    Our policies and practices must reflect this understanding.

    Yes, transgender students should be allowed to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. Public schools have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students.