2022 Candidates for School Committee

There are two open seats for the School Committee. 
There are four candidates, so please scroll down to reach each of their profiles. 
School Committee oversees Dedham’s public schools by appointing leadership, reviewing and approving budgets, and setting school education goals and policies.

REBECCA LYNN GATES

Why are you running for School Committee?  
I trusted those who stepped up to serve our town, did so in the best interest of the entire community and to represent us without political agendas or political bias. Recent history has proved my trust misguided. Parents’ voices are being silenced and their concerns dismissed, marginalized and devalued. Core curriculums are no longer front and center of our public school systems goals. School budgets – and our tax dollars – are being redirected away from core mission to teach our children basic subjects, in favor political agendas, which alienate and divide our community. Worse, our students’ basic education, as measured by the MCAS tests, has deteriorated. ​

What are your qualifications relative to this position? 
I am a seasoned businesswoman and entrepreneur. I have been recognized for measurable process improvement implementations and exceeding annual fiscal goals. I am the Founder/Executive Director of the Dragonfly Theater. I have a keen eye for budget development and a respect for budget adherence; a proven track record of implementing change when needed; honoring processes that work; and listening to all voices to ensure that best practices are followed. What I am not is a politician. I am doer and a fresh set of eyes. This election is not about me, or any of the candidates, it is about our children, tax dollars and direction of our school district and who can best manage these concerns.

What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? 
As your Dedham Public School Committee representative, I will add credence to the phrase, Excellence in Education, by focusing on:
• Setting clear expectations for student achievement building on the strong foundation of literacy, mathematics, and personal growth.
• Budgeting priorities with tools for classroom teachers benefiting students’ academic success and avoid overburdening taxpayers.
• Implementing cost-effective programs that help our students restoring confidence and rebuilding academic achievement.
• Supporting “Public Comment” during School Committee meetings for parents/residents addressing achievements and apprehensions

TRACEY A WHITE

Why are you running for School Committee?
I have served on the School Committee for 6 years and as its Chair for last year. I took up this challenge because I believe all students deserve the resources to reach their potential, and I wanted to be a part of the future development, growth, and continued improvement of our public schools. Despite the impacts of the pandemic, we have had many successes: the opening of the ECEC on time and under budget, enhancing our special education programs so more students stay in their own Town, and hiring of the first DEIJ officer. But there is always room for improvement. I am seeking re-election to continue to work "For Our Kids" as we address our aging schools and hire a new superintendent.

What are your qualifications relative to this position?
  • I have the demonstrated leadership, commitment, and involvement, and a record of success and results need to lead our schools into the future:
  • School Committee – 6 years/current chair
  • (Former) Town Meeting Member
  • (Former) Registrar of Voters
  • High School Boosters, PTOs – ECEC, Greenlodge, Oakdale, Middle & High School, Friends of Council on Aging, All Night Graduation Party, Flag Day Parade, Dedham (Cow) Day, Youth Baseball, Girls SoftBall, Youth Commission Events, Veterans Groups, Youth Commission Events, Meals-on-Wheels
  • Graduate of DHS – Mother of 2 DHS Graduates and Freshman ​

What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?
  • ​Addressing our aging schools in a fiscally responsible manner including making sure that all possible sources of “outside” funding be explored.
  • Hiring a new Superintendent who is highly qualified and resourceful to lead our schools into the future with a hiring and screening process that seeks input from and involves parents, teachers, and residents of Dedham.
  • To continue to advocate for parents right to speak and be heard on any school related topic. Includes my efforts to ensure that public input is welcomed at School Committee Meetings.
  • To support strong policies that ensure our students with resources required to reach their potential in a safe and inclusive environment

MAYANNE MACDONALD BRIGGS​

Why are you running for School Committee?
I am running for re-election to the Dedham School Committee because I have the experience and the ability to do the work. It has been an honor to serve as a School Committee member for the past 12 years. Our town has made great gains during my time on the School Committee, but we have more work to do. I want to continue to support our schools through the many upcoming challenges – providing the best education possible through uncertain times, supporting our students and families, and charting a strong future through the critical hires of a new Superintendent and other top administrators. I have done this work before and have the perspective and experience these decisions will require.

What are your qualifications relative to this position?
  • Master's of Education (M.Ed.), Special Education and Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and Blindness
  • Transition Counselor at Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
  • Served on School Committed for 12 years and twice served as Chair
  • Chair of the Superintendent Search Committee, playing a key role in the hiring of current Superintendent Michael Welch.
  • Helped lead effort to build Thomas J. Curran Early Education Center completed on-time and $1.4 million under budget.
  • Served on many subcommittees including Budget, Policy, School Building Rehabilitation, Negotiations, Human Rights Commission, and The Education collaborative.​

What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?
  • Ensure that the hiring of quality new Administrators will be a process that involves staff, parents, and stakeholders in this town.
  • Support the School Committee’s goals that push for excellence, equity in education, safe, inclusive, and supportive schools for all students and staff.
  • Develop more ways to communicate and engage families and stakeholders. I want to work with the community to understand how we, as a committee, can improve in this area.
  • Work with the school community and taxpayers to make the best possible plans to utilize MSBA funding and Robin Reyes Fund to get all elementary students into new facilities that they deserve.

BETH FLANAGAN-GLEASON​

Why are you running for School Committee?
I am a Dedham mother with three young daughters. I am a proud ECEC, Oakdale, and formerly Greenlodge mom. As the mother of a child with autism, I will advocate for the parents, students, teachers, and employees of the Dedham Public Schools just as I do for my own family. If parents have a seat at the table, a common sense agenda will prevail. There is a lot at stake this year. Our Superintendent of Schools and Director of Special Education are retiring. Let's take this opportunity to hire qualified, doctoral level professionals who will lead with grace and humility. Instead of enabling problematic administrators, I will empower parents.

What are your qualifications relative to this position?
I am pro union. I am very proud to be the only candidate endorsed by Tim Dwyer, the President of the Dedham Education Association. I am also daughter and granddaughter of public school teachers from Lowell, Massachusetts. Our teachers, paraprofessionals, food service workers, secretaries, crossing guards, and custodial staff are the people who educate and protect our children everyday. They deserve representation on the school committee by someone who understands this. Dedham parents and employees need an additional means to seek help when the proper channels fail. Their concerns must be taken seriously by someone who will immediately work towards a satisfactory resolution.

What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?
As the mother of a child with autism, I understand bullying. It is fluid, and it knows no age limit. Parents who attend attend school committee meetings should always receive polite treatment. The lack of respect that is sometimes displayed would never be tolerated in our homes. Why should we tolerate it from high level administrators or school committee members? I will always champion parents instead of disparaging them. Even if I disagree with them, I will never roll my eyes when they participate in public comment. Parental involvement is not something we should just talk about while giving it false credence. I will honestly promote parental involvement.

Candidates for Town Wide Office 

Contested races:
Select Board
School Committee
Board of Health

Uncontested Races:
Commissioner of Trust Funds

Candidates for Town Meeting
​(To find out what precinct you live in, click here)

Precinct 1
Precinct 2
Precinct 3
Precinct 4
Precinct 5
Precinct 6
​Precinct 7
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