LETTER: Boynton Seeking School Committee Seat

The following was provided by Johanna Boynton.

I was not lucky enough to grow up in a town like Concord. The town where I grew up lacked the strong sense of history, local pride, and community involvement.

Concord has been an amazing place in which to live, grow, learn, and best of all, a terrific place to raise our family. I care deeply about our schools – they are the heart of our community – and after careful consideration have decided to run for School Committee.

Our four children presently attend Alcott, CMS and CCHS and I feel fortunate that each is in such an extraordinary learning environment. Each day they benefit from the guidance of incredibly talented, caring, and committed teachers and administrators. It is my turn to give back in a positive, energetic, and optimistic way. Our schools are excellent – among the very best – and I want to see that excellence continue.

I have been involved in education my whole adult life. After graduating from Harvard College I became a teacher, coach, dorm parent, college advisor, and athletic administrator. After 15 years and the birth of our third child, I left the formal academic world to become involved in my own children’s schools. I served as board president at their pre-school, The Children’s Meetinghouse, and was later honored to be president of the Alcott School PTG when we built an outdoor classroom, playground, and ball field at Alcott school.

I am presently in my third year on the School Advisory Council (SAC) at Alcott. I run my own business in Concord and am involved in building projects across the town. I have enjoyed my work with many of the town departments, such as the Planning Board, the NRC, the Building Department, the Board of Health, and the Town Manager’s office. I am currently on the board of the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, work closely with the Drinking Gourd Project, and teach religious education at First Parish.

I recognize that our schools face complex challenges. As your newest School Committee member, I will bring an open mind, a collaborative style, and a commitment to finding solutions that are in the best interest of our community. I ask for your support at the polls on March 19.