Patch Candidate Profiles: Suzanne Wright, Swampscott School Committee

SWAMPSCOTT, MA – When you vote on April 25, at the annual town election, know your candidates. Patch is putting together these Q&As for those running for seats on the Swampscott School Committee.

Name, as it will appear on the ballot: Suzanne Wright

Age: 49

Hometown: Wilbraham, MA. Resident of Swampscott since 1995.

Position running for: Re-election for 2nd term on the Swampscott School Committee

Party affiliation: Independent

Education: BS Michigan; MEd University of South Florida

Work history:
Before children- Educational research (re: self-monitoring behavior) and special education teacher, NY, NY;
W/young children- Jr. Consultant for a public housing consulting firm in Lynn, MA (part-time);
Currently - Couture Planet, Lynn, MA (part-time)

Volunteer history:
School Council @ Hadley School (4 years);
Various schools and roles on PTA, PTO, PTF (16 years) and HS Sport Booster Parent (6 years);
SYSA soccer coach (8+ seasons);
League of Women Voters
Swampscott Education Foundation, Grants Committee/Chair
Town Meeting Member (12+ years)
Member of Article 6 committee
Member of 2016 Town Administrator Search Committee
Member of Swampscott School Committee
KIPP School Lynn, run lunch time reading groups w /middle schoolers

Have you run before? If so, when?: Yes, 2014

Why did you decide to run?: I have really enjoyed being a part of this committee. I feel that my contributions to decisions and actions taken in the past three years are contributing to a stronger educational system in Swampscott. I am excited to take the skills and experience gained in my first term and further commit to working diligently toward a fiscally responsible, transparent and effective school committee for the benefit of our entire town.

What do you hope to accomplish in this position?: It is important to support our Superintendent and leadership team and staff and students to ensure that they work to inspire each other on a daily basis. I plan to continue to support the psychological well-being of our students, including the expansion of the SWIFT/ Harbor program to the middle school. I want to contribute to the District technology vision and 5-year plan. I plan to continue my work on a new school building plan that is long-term-forward-thinking, that delivers the best educational opportunities for our elementary and middle school students, in the most fiscally responsible manner for our taxpayers. I plan to continue to be involved in state-wide efforts and regional coalition efforts, to change the Foundation Budget, the budget by which state educational funding is distributed to school districts. I plan to continue to explore efficiencies and shared services between the town and the school.

What should constituents know about you?: I am a conscientious and hard-working person who is passionate about educational issues. It would be a privilege to continue to work for all the residents of Swampscott as one of your school committee members, please cast a vote for Suzanne Wright on April 25, Thank you.

Image via Suzanne Wright