School Committee Candidate Bill Woods

Seekonk Patch sent a list of questions to the seven candidates running for two school committee seats in the April 1 election. Below are the questions along with the answers submitted by candidate Bill Woods.

—Jonathan Friedman, editor

Name: Bill Woods

Age: 47

How many years have you lived in Seekonk? 13 years

How many children do you have in the Seekonk public schools? Do you have any children who previously attended Seekonk public schools or plan to send children to the Seekonk Public schools in the future? Not at this time, potentially in the future if all goes well. 

What is your current involvement with the school district (PTO membership, volunteering, etc.)? I am Running for School Committee. 

What is your day job? If you are retired, what was your former job? I am a Certified School Nurse Teacher. I work with typical students as well as those with physical, emotional, psychological and behavioral needs. I partner with classroom teachers, physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers in and out of the classroom to be sure that complex student needs are met. 

Why are you running for school committee? To give back to the school system that helped to teach me how to teach. I had an awesome education/experience student teaching. I feel that I have much to offer from educational experience as well as work and community volunteerism. I have been part of an initiative in RI to vaccinate against hepatitis A and B (food borne as well as blood borne). I have traveled throughout the world as a Registered Nurse and a Teacher. The most significant trip was to Ghana delivering medications, working in hospitals and clinics mostly in the rain forests and lecturing on health promotion at several schools. I want to use my work, education and volunteer experience as a team member of the school committee. 

What makes you a better choice than your opponents? I have a fresh objective agenda. I have never held office in Seekonk and I will not use this as a stepping stone to "higher office."

I have a strong background in education. I student taught third grade in Seekonk Schools and received a top notch education/experience.  I work with most disciplines with the district I work in. Being a teacher (11 years) as well as a registered nurse (20 years) as well as my Bryant College Business education which I feel makes me a well-rounded person with the needed background to make informed decisions as part of the school committee.

What is the state of the school district? Are there problems that need fixing? If so, what would you do to fix them? I feel the school district is moving in a positive direction.  We are fortunate to have excellent teachers, administrators (thankful for the appointment of Ms. Bosco) and support staff. Recent programs that have been established like TAP bringing students who were in outside placement (at significant cost) in district where these students are receiving an excellent education, going to school with their peers while saving needed resources while they receive all therapies and supports.  

As a member of the school committee, you have just one vote and need at least two people to agree with you to get anything approved. How well do you work with others? What is your experience with productively working in a group? I work in a group on a daily basis. As I answered a prior question I am part of a team where we make sure student’s needs (physical, psychological, emotional etc.) are being met. We work together to be sure that happens. I have been part of a "Team of Qualified Professionals" planning for and implementing plans for the best ways to teach meeting the needs of our students. 

What do you like to do in your free time? I am waiting to try out my (new to me) kayak. I like to canoe on the reservoir. Spend time with family and friends usually talking as we play cards. 

Is there anything else we should know about you? I am an open book. I am open to questions and welcome them.