Wilmington Candidate Profile: Jennifer Bryson For School Committee

WILMINGTON, MA — The Town of Wilmington's Annual Town Election is on April 22.

The offices on the ballot for this election are: Select Board, School Committee and Wilmington Housing Authority.

A specimen ballot is available online.

Patch is profiling some of the candidates. Here, we learn more about Jennifer Bryson, who is the current chair of the School Committee and one of two candidates running for two open seats on the committee. Challenger Michael Mercaldi is the other candidate on the ballot. Terms on the School Committee are for three years.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Jennifer Bryson

Office sought

School Committee

Family

Married to a school principal in Middleton (Jeff Bryson). Two children, Hannah, grade 11 (first girl in WHS history to wrestle and 3rd in state for girls, 5th in New England, and all-conference runner). Theo, grade 8, avid baseball player whose primary position is catcher, plays in jazz band.

Education

Doctorate from BU, Master's from BU, Bachelor from BU

Occupation

Faculty member at BU since 2006. Teacher in Chelsea prior to that.

Previous or current elected or appointed office

School Committee since 2017, chair for 4 years

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have lived in Wilmington since 2005 and have served on the school committee since 2017. I have devoted my entire career to teaching and learning, and ensuring that all children are receiving an exemplary education. I am dedicated to strengthening education for all students and I am deeply invested in our community.

Describe the issues that define your campaign platform

My ultimate goal is to be a voice for parents and caregivers in the important educational
decisions our community must make. I want to guarantee that all of our classrooms have
exemplary teaching, equitable learning environments, and most importantly, joyful and rigorous
learning for our children.

If you are an incumbent, how long have you served in this position and what are your major accomplishments while in office?

I am proud of the work we have completed in this district over the past six years. These accomplishments include: stabilizing district leadership, creating and implementing a strategic plan, applying and being accepted into the MSBA program for a new Wildwood/Elementary School, implementing universal screenings, including early identification for dyslexia, and many other powerful initiatives.

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

I was a classroom teacher in Chelsea for 10 years and now serve on the faculty at Boston University's College of Education, where I prepare future elementary teachers and research the importance of family/school partnerships.

I supervise and coach teachers in all subject areas, but literacy is my primary focus. As a licensed literacy specialist and coach, I teach literacy courses and provide professional development to school districts in literacy curriculum and instruction. I also tutor readers in K–12 and work closely with teachers and families as we work to meet the needs of their child.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have worked alongside my thoughtful and excellent colleagues on the committee and we have navigated our town through the pandemic, hybrid learning, mask mandates, a school building closure and a change in school start time … we have always listened to the voters and have worked diligently to represent the town of Wilmington well. While not everyone has agreed with all of our decisions, I hope they know that we have devoted great time and thought to each topic and have placed children at the center of our work.