Northampton is proud of its public schools, and so am I. After 15 years of supporting this city as a volunteer and community member, I am running as a write-in candidate for Ward 4 School Committee. My children are growing up in this community, and two attend Northampton High School. Every day I see the dedication of our teachers, the energy of our students, and the commitment of families across our city.
Professionally, I bring experience in policy, budgeting, and nonprofit leadership. I served in Congress as a legislative director working on appropriations, education, and workforce policy. I later served as chief operating officer of the Women’s Funding Network, and in recent years, I have consulted with partners who support strong public education and student well-being.
I am running because Ward 4 deserves a choice. I bring leadership, vision and experience that Northampton needs on the School Committee. I have experience in municipal and federal budgeting, executive management, and a deep commitment to public education.
I am proud to send my kids to Northampton schools, and I am grateful to the educators, administrators and leaders we have in Northampton. Their dedication to this fundamental function of city government serves not only the kids, but the community at large by providing generations of bright and thoughtful young people, and to democracy as a whole in the fabric of this country where critical thought and learning will always be a cornerstone of our ability to thrive.
The School Committee’s role is straightforward. Govern responsibly. Manage public funds wisely. Hire and support strong leaders. Ensure educators have the necessary resources in the classroom. I will bring that focus to the work and hold myself to the MASC Code of Ethics. No drama, just steady service.
There is important work ahead. In the next year we will select a new superintendent. We have experienced tremendous turn over in this position and other top-level positions over the last five years. The job of the School Committee is to manage and facilitate steady leadership, and we are not currently seeing this, and it is impacting each of our schools and their core functions.
We will adopt a graduation standard to replace MCAS. This is an exciting opportunity for the entire school community to develop a plan that will allow students to demonstrate what we, as parents, know they have learned and are capable of over their 13 years in NPS. We need a School Committee that can develop a plan collaboratively that attracts students to the district and promotes the true joys of learning that no standardized test can measure.
It is our moral obligation and a legal imperative that we immediately address the state’s report that our school system has not met the needs of students on 504 and Individualized Education Plans. It is shocking that our current management of the schools has allowed for this level of neglect. At JFK school we have had three principals in five years. When leadership keeps changing, services are neglected, and families feel it. I’ll push for steady leadership and real partnership: clear goals, progress checks, and resources to match, so every 504 and IEP is delivered on time.
I believe in building people up. Strong schools depend on strong public service, and on a School Committee that treats educators, administrators, staff, and families with respect. Our students take their cues from us. They deserve to see adults listening, problem-solving, and working together.
When adults fight, kids notice. Like every parent, I want them to learn not only from their teachers but from their community. They deserve to see adults working together with respect and focus, not division. Our children deserve a community that shows them collaboration is possible, even through great challenges.
Ward 4 deserves a representative who is calm, prepared, and community centered. I will bring a parent’s perspective, policy and budget experience, and a commitment to collaboration. I will listen, ask good questions, and keep the focus on students.
On Nov. 4, please write in “Megan Wolf” for Ward 4 School Committee and check the box to the right. I would be honored to serve, and I am ready to work with you to keep Northampton’s public schools a source of pride and possibility for every child.
Megan Wolf is a write-in candidate for the Northampton School Committee.