There are two open seats for the School Committee and three candidates: Joshua Donati, Beth Flanagan-Gleason, and Melissa Pearrow. Please scroll down to read each of their profiles.
Joshua DonatiWhy are you running for this office?
I am running for re-election because there are some big, important decisions that have to be made by the School Committee over the next few years and I believe I can play an important role in gathering input and gaining buy-in from all stakeholders. Whether it is the facilities master plan, the traffic study or the annual budget process, my experience on the Committee and as an educator and parent will allow me to make the right decisions on behalf of this amazing community. We have chosen to raise our family in Dedham because we believe in the promise of our schools and I want to continue to work to make it better and better for every family in this town. What are your qualifications relative to the position you are running for? I received my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Nazarene College and my Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from George Washington University. I have been a teacher for the past 12 years, the last 6 of which in the Boston Public Schools. This classroom experience, in addition to numerous leadership roles in which I have served at my school, provide me with critical insight into what leads to successful educational outcomes and positive school cultures. My participation in numerous other organizations and committees in town gives me the community perspective that, coupled with my educational background, allows me to address issues with a well-rounded approach. What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? My first priority is to continue improving our communication and transparency as a Committee. This is a crucial priority due to the major decisions we will be making around our aging elementary schools and the traffic study recommendations for our three school campus. My second priority is to continue the work of setting high expectations for all stakeholders in our school system. From the superintendent to our youngest learners, we need to believe that everyone has the ability and potential to be great. Finally, I will continue to prioritize fiscally responsible budgets that respect our taxpayers while still providing the resources our educators, staff and students need to succeed. |
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Beth Flanagan-Gleason
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Why are you running for this office?
I am an autism mom with three daughters in the Dedham Public Schools. I'm from a family of professional educators. This Fall, our teachers were forced to strike after having been at the bargaining table for four years. Teaching is a female dominated profession. It is inconceivable that the notion of making sexual harassment easier to report was ever a bone of contention. If elected, I will always reach out to all parties, and offer assistance. In fact, I am the only candidate to receive a personal endorsement from Tim Dwyer, the President of the Dedham Educators Association! I have a very healthy working relationship with Tim. Our teachers and employees are our best assets. What are your qualifications relative to the position you are running for? I attended both The George Washington University and UMass Amherst. I graduated cum laude with a BA in Liberal Arts. I went on to start a financial planning services company with my husband. However, over the last eight years, I have been a full time early intervention parent. This is what qualifies me to be a member of the Dedham School Committee. My experiences dealing with autism inform every decision I make, and give me a sense of empathy. Often, parents and employees are ignored or dismissed when reporting a problem. Whether it is an IEP issue, a safety concern, or a bullying or harassment issue, we need a contact on the school committee who will believe them, and get right to work. What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? Facilitating greater parental involvement could be a realistic and inexpensive way of improving our schools. Parents particularly need approachable contacts during these days of remote learning. One way of doing this is to elect a parent like me who has been forced to overcome a variety of obstacles. My children are in both typical and substantially separate classrooms. I know the challenges that each present. If we have to pivot to complete remote learning in the Fall, I will be in the homeschooling trenches with you, and I will voice your concerns on the school committee if you elect me. Finally, Dedham Middle School is a great concern to me. I want to be a part of the solution. |
Melissa M PearrowWhy are you running for this office?
My family has lived in Dedham for 18 years, both of my children attend the Dedham schools, and I am an ardent supporter of public education. Ensuring that all our children have access to the best education has always been extremely important to me. It has been the work of my professional life and the focus of much of my community-based work here in Dedham. As a School Committee member, I would continue to serve to ensure that all our kids have access to rigorous academic programming in schools that are safe and supportive for all learners. What are your qualifications relative to the position you are running for? In town, I represent the School Committee on the Dedham Organization for Substance Awareness. I have also served on the Dedham Education Foundation, Avery School Council, Mother Brook Arts and Community Center Board, and By-Laws Review Committee. Six years ago, I was appointed by Governor Patrick to the Commonwealth’s Safe and Supportive Schools Commission, which supports all districts in creating positive learning environments. In my professional life, I am an Associate Professor of School Psychology in the College of Education and Human Development at UMass Boston. I received my PhD from Northeastern University and my primary area of focus is school-based mental health services. What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? (1) Our community has important decisions regarding our elementary school facilities. This requires a balanced approach that considers the needs of our children’s education and the fiscal realities of our town. (2) Equitable access to education for all our children. This requires a strong, coordinated curriculum and enrichment opportunities. This commitment has resulted in 100 additional students playing instrumental music this year. (3) Safe and supportive schools. We have invested in cameras around our facilities and our district staff participates in monthly meetings with public safety officials. A supportive climate emphasizes relationships between adults and students and the community. |
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