Apryl Rossi has made her career as a hairdresser. As a single mother, she first became involved with the school district when she joined the PTA while her son was in the first grade. 

Rossi continued her involvement, serving as a substitute paraprofessional during his middle school years, and in 2019 she became a member of the School Committee. Her son now in his first year of college, she said, “The kids in town have always been a big priority to me — helping them however I can.”

She said she wanted to be a voice for parents, adding how she never ran to make friends, she ran to make a difference.

Rossi said since joining the committee, she has prioritized transparency and ensures she asks all her questions publicly because if she has these questions, other parents most likely do too.

With rising inflation and no more Covid pandemic relief funding, districts across the state are struggling and Wareham is among them. Rossi emphasized how this does not only affect the schools, but other town departments, as well. 

Rossi highlighted the change in behavior in students following the pandemic, voicing her concern for potential cuts to social workers and paraprofessionals who help high-needs students in the classroom so teachers can focus on the education aspect of their work.

Everything in the budget has a reason. Rossi said having the right tools and support for teachers is essential and should be acknowledged when considering cuts to the budget.

Though the School Committee’s power is limited, she believes it still can serve as a resource for community members.

Rossi said a town suffers without a good school district. “I just want to be a resource for them to just try to help as much as I can so that everybody can see what I see.”