Hopkinton Candidate Profile 2022: Jared Pray

HOPKINTON, MA - Hopkinton voters will have some big choices to make in the election on May 16 for School Committee members.

There are three seats up for grabs, each with different term lenghts. Current Chair Nancy Richards-Cavanaugh is running for reelection for the three-year term against Christopher Melton.

The two-year opening became available following the resignation of Meg Tyler. Independent Ashley Fogg is running against Democrat Holly Morand for this seat.

Joe Markey's resignation led to an opening for a one-year term. Democrats Jenn Devlin and Jared Pray are running for this seat.

To help voters get to know each candidate, Hopkinton Patch sent all candidates a questionnaire to probe their thoughts on the issues. Here's what Pray, who is seeking a one-year term, had to say.

Age as of Election Day:

44

Position sought:

School Committee (1 year term)

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Family:

Wife Jessica, and 3 daughters - Kylie (4th grade), Mackenzie (1st grade) and Keira (2 years old)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Bachelor's (Bucknell University), Master's (Dartmouth College), MBA (Bentley University)

Occupation:

I work in the Pharmaceutical Industry (20+ years)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

None

Campaign website:

https://www.facebook.com/profi...

Why are you seeking elective office?

To ensure that Hopkinton has an excellent school system for learners of all levels for many years to come.

The single most pressing issue facing our district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Managing growth while continuing to improve this district. The school committee must be more proactive in planning, and must be more decisive.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the school committee, with no preconceived beliefs, yet a firm understanding that we have areas where we must improve. I am comfortable presenting a conflicting opinion, but always strive for a comprehensive solution that incorporates differing perspectives.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

Recently, we have witnessed our school committee being unable to make decisions or to execute, to the detriment of our children and their education. We have known for two years that we need a town-wide campus master plan. That plan was developed more than a year ago, yet in the past year we saw no further engagement with the town regarding this plan or progress moving it forward.

This district has consistently ranked well within the state -- however, we have seen minimal effort to improve where we have historically struggled, like programs for our youngest advanced learners or for students with learning disabilities or special needs. My opponent has touted her previous experience on the school committee, so she has seen first hand -- and been a party to -- the lack of action. We must now jump start our execution towards key objectives -- lest we see this district stagnate.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have a worked for over 20 years in a corporate environment. That experience has given me a business mindset, and importantly, a history of delivering on objectives. This next school committee must be decisive and execute efficiently -- there is simply too much to accomplish using any other approach. My opponent has spoken to the advantage of her experience having served on the school committee previously -- however, this district does not need another proven passive voice. I bring the advantage of NOT having been on the school committee before, and the fresh ideas and perspective that comes along with it.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"If you fail, fail as a result of action, not inaction." Often, it is hard to make a decision, take the first step, or kick-off a consequential project. However, it is harder to be behind in execution or be caught flat-footed. Be proactive, but be open-minded enough to learn and adjust as necessary.