Election 2018: Fennelly Wants To Be Your Voice On School Committe

WILMINGTON, MA -- Wilmington voters head to the polls on April 28 for municipal elections. Patch reached out to candidates running in contested races for their thoughts on the issues facing Wilmington. This is the second in an occasional series profiling the candidates running for school committee.

You might say that, if elected to the Wilmington School Committee, Jesse Fennelly wants to keep the forward momentum going. The district will have a new superintendent in the fall, and Fennelly sees the committee's job is providing the support for the new superintendent and continuity in leadership. Fennelly, 36, is running in a three-way race for two seats on the school committee, along with incumbent M.J. Byrnes and David Ragsdale (Patch already profiled Byrnes, and Ragsdale will be profiled in the coming days).

Fennelly, who lives with his wife and four- and six-year-old sons, works in marketing and external relations. He serves on the Wilmington Historical Commission and the WCTV Board of Directors.

We asked Fennelly and all candidates in contested races in the April 28 town elections a series of questions on the issues facing Wilmington. Here's what Fennelly had to say:

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most important issue facing our school district is a lack of continuity in leadership. With great appreciation to former Superintendent Benton, and acting Superintendent Ruggiero, it is critically important that the new Superintendent is given the tools, support and encouragement to succeed in this role while driving this school district forward. I intend to use my voice on the School Committee to support good ideas and initiatives, question things that I feel do not make sense, and work with the superintendent and my colleagues on the school committee to make Wilmington one of the top school districts in Massachusetts.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The thing that sets me apart from my opponents is my interest in, and dedication to, constituent input. I've said from the beginning of this campaign that I am running to be your voice on the school committee. I intend to always seek feedback from parents before making a decision on any matter that comes before the school committee and I will make myself available regularly to people in town to discuss issues.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Given the recent events in Parkland and elsewhere, school safety needs to always be issue number one. Our district has done a good job with this, but we need to always be vigilant about the safety of our schools and students.

Education financing in Massachusetts is a big issue right now. I would work with my colleagues on the School Committee as well as our state delegation to determine if implementation of the Foundation Budget Review Commission recommendations would positively or negatively impact our town.

Ensuring that the school system has the resources to address the social/emotional wellbeing of all the students in the district.

Finally, we need to focus less on testing and more on teaching so that all of the students in Wilmington are prepared, regardless of what comes after high school, for the next phase of their life. Whether a two or four year college, work, trade school, or the military, our students should be well positioned and well prepared to be successful long after their days in the Wilmington Public Schools.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

A successful transition to a new superintendent who has the support of the school committee and the community to be innovative and lead our school district to new heights.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

A few years back I was working on a project with a group of coworkers. At the time, I was new to my role and a little uncomfortable with speaking my mind. At one point, I felt that the path we were going down would not be successful but again, as the new person to the team I didn't want to "rock the boat" so I kept my thoughts to myself. It turned out that I was right, and had I said something I would have saved us a lot of time and work. I determined then that I would not make that mistake again, which is why if I am elected I will always be a voice for you, regardless of how I am perceived.

Why should voters trust you?

My wife and I are the very proud parents of two young sons. Lyndon (6) is wrapping up first grade at the Woburn Street School and Sawyer (4) was just recently enrolled in kindergarten at the Wildwood. Voters in town should trust me because I have as much at stake as a parent in the Wilmington school district as they do. I will always listen to your input, but you can be sure that I will vote for what is best for the students of this district because I am the parent of two of them, and I want nothing more than to make sure my kids have every opportunity possible.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

Abraham Lincoln once said that "the philosophy of the classroom today will be the philosophy of government tomorrow." This is why I've always believed so strongly in both public education, and public service. Our schools are shaping the minds and attitudes of our children. It is imperative that we give them the best education we can now to inform their decisions later.

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

I think it is important that the School Committee ensure that the administration is honest, open, and receptive to feedback. The school committee and the school administration need to work together to deliver the best education to all students so it is important to have meaningful dialogue and positive working relationships in order to achieve results.

My goal, as a member of the school committee, is to have a good working relationship with all the teachers, administrators and staff at all the facilities in the town. The question that I would ask them is "what can I do, as a member of the School Committee, to make it easier for you to educate the students you serve?"

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

Government has the responsibility to be stewards of the towns finances and to make wish investment choices. That said, I believe funding for schools/education is of critical importance to the town. This is why I would work with our state delegation, superintendent and town finance committee to determine if the Foundation Budget Review Commission recommendations should be adopted and if not, how we can work to best address education funding moving forward.

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

I spent 5 years working as an aide in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. For three and a half years I worked in the office of former representative Charley Murphy, who represented one precinct in Wilmington. I think that experience prepared me for this job by allowing me to understand how to listen to all sides of an issue. It is very important to me to get input before making decisions and that role prepared me to take on this job on the School Committee. In that role I also worked very closely with members of the Boards of Selectmen, finance committees, and town managers and so I know how those groups interact and am ready to take on this challenge for myself. Last, it prepared me to take criticism. I know that I am not able to please everyone all the time. I will always look for input on every issue, but my hope is that if I cast a vote that you are not happy with, that you feel encouraged and empowered to reach out and discuss it with me.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Always try your best. It's something I still share with my kids today. We may not always be successful at what we attempt, but if you give it your all and do your best you can and will always be proud of yourself.

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

I am motivated and dedicated to being successful serving you in this role. I will always strive to gather input and make the best decision I can for all the students in our town. I will work hard everyday to earn and keep your trust and appreciate you considering me to represent you on the School Committee. I would humbly and respectfully ask that you cast one of your two votes for me on election day, April 28th.

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Are you running for office in Wilmington on April 28? Contact Dave Copeland at dave.copeland@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Wilmington Patch.

Photo by Jesse Fennelly.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).