Hear from the Candidates: Erin Knyff, School Committee

The following was submitted by Erin Knyff, Candidate for School Committee.

TEWKSBURY, MA - My name is Erin Knyff and I’m a candidate for Tewksbury School Committee. I’ve lived here in Tewksbury with my husband, Adrian, since 1998, and we have three children, ages 7-12, educated through the Tewksbury Public School system.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m the president and co-founder of Liam Nation, a non-profit and community-based organization dedicated to serving families and individuals with special abilities. My husband and I formed Liam Nation six years ago and are proud of the great work we’ve been able to achieve, not only in Tewksbury, but throughout the greater Boston region and nationwide.

Prior to motherhood I worked for 11 years as an on-air producer for Kiss 108 and Oldies 103.3, producing two major market morning shows – Matty in the Morning and Dale Dorman and the Breakfast Club. I’ve been privileged to stay at home with my children and become a volunteer in Tewksbury Public Schools and the community at large through my work with the Tewksbury Rotary Club and the Public Events and Celebrations Committee.

I bring a unique perspective to the School Committee race. In the last year, Tewksbury Public Schools have grabbed headlines for a number of issues relating to special education. As a parent of a child with an out-of-district placement, another child on an IEP, and a typically developing child, I truly understand what it means to educate ALL children.

In my various roles, parents often confide in me. I’m running for School Committee because I believe I can bring a fresh perspective and positive outlook to improve communication, transparency and accountability. Every parent’s voice matters. Every child’s voice matters. Every taxpayer’s voice matters.

I believe in full-day Kindergarten, curriculum that supports not just reading and math, but also foreign language and fine & technical arts. I believe in working collaboratively with teachers, administrators and parents to find solutions that work for children. Kids are at the heart of everything I do.

Two seats are open on the School Committee this year; please consider voting for me on April 2.