Editor’s note: The Old Rochester Regional School Committee will see races this month between incumbents and challengers in all three of the Tri-Towns. This week we present the candidates for one open seat in Marion and one open seat in Mattapoisett. The Rochester candidates will appear in the May 18 issue of The Wanderer.
Frances-Feliz Kearns, Mattapoisett Incumbent
I am running for reelection to the Old Rochester Regional District School Committee as the Mattapoisett representative. Over the past year, I have established myself as a trusted leader, valued colleague and dedicated student advocate. As an engineer with over 20 years of experience in the aerospace, military and life sciences industries, I believe in the power of STEM education and the opportunities it can provide for our students. I have helped secure thousands of dollars in STEM funding for our schools, and I believe that education is a gateway to a better life for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. During the pandemic, I worked tirelessly to support diverse learning options to meet the individual needs of students and their families. I was instrumental in transitioning from remote to hybrid and eventually in-person learning, and I served on the committee for safely reopening schools. As a director of engineering, quality assurance at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, I understand the importance of communication, collaboration and critical thinking, and I bring those skills to my work on the school committee. I have negotiated fair and equitable teacher contracts while maintaining high-quality educators and extracurricular programs. Outside of my work on the school committee, I am an active member of the Mattapoisett PTA and a former Cub Master. I have received numerous awards and recognitions for my work and dedication to our community including recognition from the New Bedford NAACP, the Jewish War Veterans of the USA and the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives. I am also a sought-after public speaker and have been recognized as one of the 2023 South Coast Women in Leadership. I am running for reelection because I believe in the power of education and the promise of a better future for all students. I am committed to working hard and making sure that our schools continue to provide the best possible education for all of our students. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my two children who attend Old Hammondtown and Old Rochester Regional Junior High School.
Richard Reilly, Mattapoisett Challenger
I am running for ORR School Committee for four reasons. First, I am very concerned that our educational standards are slipping. One of my businesses, FME Technologies, conducts business throughout the world. I’ve discovered that U.S. students are having a tough time competing against international students for college entrance and job opportunities. A primary reason is because U.S. education has fallen behind. I want to do all I can to see to it that ORR School District has high educational standards so our graduates can compete in the global marketplace. Second, I want to be sure we are using our educational tax dollars efficiently. That means we must have budget accountability. As the owner of two businesses in town, I understand and know how to ensure we are spending our resources wisely. Third, I will work to encourage family involvement and increase the Bulldog Spirit in our schools. I believe that family involvement and transparency into the classroom and the curriculum is critical to high educational outcomes. Fourth, a safe and secure school must be taken as a high priority. Having served seven years in the Marine Corps and specializing in security, I look forward to helping achieve this as I have with my local Church. Finally, I am a 62-year resident of Mattapoisett, a graduate of ORR and an ORR Hall of Fame Inductee. My wife Melanie and I have three children, who went to ORR schools, and six grandchildren, two who are presently in our school system. ORRHS gave me a top-notch education that put me on a path to a successful career. I would like to give back to the community and school system that gave me and my family so much by serving on the ORR School Committee. I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, May 16. Thank you.
Margaret McSweeny, Marion Incumbent
My name is Margaret McSweeny, and I am running for reelection to the ORR School Committee. I am a life-long resident of Marion and have served in my school committee role for the last three years. I have an M.A. in Education and have worked in both public and private schools in the area for more than 15 years. I am also a mother to three children and an active member of YWCA Southeastern MA and the Women’s Alliance of Southeastern Massachusetts. In my role as school committee member, I serve on the ORR School Committee and the Joint School Committee. I am also a member of the Policy Subcommittee, the Tri-Town Education Foundation and a founding member of the Equity Subcommittee. I am running for reelection because I believe that it is important to be an active and engaged member of my community. I care deeply about the social and emotional health of young people, and I want to ensure the best educational outcomes for all students in our district. I want to continue to help create and maintain a safe, inclusive and equitable school system, one that celebrates diversity and condemns racism in all its forms. If reelected, I will continue to be a prepared, engaged and present school committee member, working collaboratively with my colleagues and listening to the needs and concerns of my constituents.
Jennifer Marie-Zora Stewart, Marion Challenger
My name is Jennifer Zora Stewart and I’m running for the ORR School Committee in Marion. ORR is special to me, and I want to give back to our future generations. I’m a 1997 graduate with a three-generation history within the school system. As a parent that pays very close attention, I feel it is time for change, and I want to offer our community a choice. I have identified three initial focuses: (1) School Safety and Security, (2) Family Communication and Transparency, (3) Education. School Safety and Security: We need to support our school resource officers and local police departments that keep our children safe and protected at school. We need to reevaluate safety among students. All students need to feel safe and free from any targeted harassment and intimidation. Family Communication and Transparency: On February 15, 2022, during the school committee meeting on unmasking, parents won’t forget the three hours and the many initial “No” votes. The data was clear, yet students, teachers and parents were still not being heard. We need to remove politics from our schools. Our community has diverse ideas and beliefs. Unfortunately, politics have found their way into our classrooms creating distraction and friction. Education: A significant focus has been on Social Emotional Learning, meanwhile our Massachusetts standardized test scores are down. The honor roll needs to be brought back to Junior High. We need to help students focus on achieving their own academic excellence. In closing, I’m offering our community a choice for change. I’m a college graduate with a career as a Senior Registration manager. In my 16-plus years of experience, I have demonstrated my team-oriented skills. I’m an excellent problem solver, fast learner and trusted leader. I’m a parent to a 14-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son and I believe my most important job is being a mom. I feel parents and families know what is best for their children and should always have a voice when it comes to their children’s education. Please help support me by voting in Marion on May 12. Thank you for your consideration!