Wright Announces School Committee Bid

My name is Jane Wright, and I am excited to announce that I am running for Medford School Committee. My husband, Bob, and I have been homeowners in Medford for almost 20 years, and we are the proud parents of Kevin, 13, Allison, 11, Matthew, 9, and Jonathan, 6.

I have been active in the Parent Teacher Organization at the McGlynn School since my oldest son began kindergarten in 2007 and have been on its executive board for the last six years. Currently, I am the treasurer for the organization. As a member of the PTO, I work with other parents to plan evening events, provide funding for field trips, and meet with principals and teachers to maximize educational opportunities for the children at McGlynn Elementary School, both inside and outside of the classroom. Now that my two oldest children are at McGlynn Middle School, I volunteer there as well.

For the past twenty years I have taught at various grade levels from kindergarten to eighth grade and I am a strong supporter of public education. Currently, I am a middle school teacher in a diverse, urban school system and deal with issues facing school systems across the country on a daily basis. As a teacher, I am fully aware of the state mandates that are required for schools, often without additional funding. Every day, I experience the ramifications of high stakes testing. Since 1996, I have been administering the MCAS to middle school students and this year I administered the PARCC. I have been a member of school councils and bargaining/negotiating teams; I have been a union representative and attended the MTA (Massachusetts Teachers Association) Annual conference in Boston; and I have worked tirelessly to adopt new books and programs for my classroom as well as for other grade levels in the school system. I have attended numerous conferences and workshops on issues pertinent to today’s classrooms: extended learning time, the Common Core Curriculum, teacher evaluations, technology in the classroom, MCAS, PARCC, bullying and substance abuse. I have first-hand knowledge of what it takes to a run a school smoothly and successfully.

With my experiences, I know the rewards, demands and frustrations of both parents and teachers. If elected, I will work hard with all members of the School Committee, the superintendent, principals, directors and especially parents. I am invested in all children and believe each child can thrive in a supportive and challenging classroom.

- Submitted by Jane Wright