Wakefield Election Profiles: Dawn Millward, School Committee

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The following candidate profile is from Dawn Millward, who is running for School Committee.

Your name: Dawn Millward

Age, as of April. 1, 2021: 41

Town of residence: Wakefield

Position sought: 2 year seat for school committee

Party affiliation: Unenrolled.

Family: Married to Lee Millward 17 years, two children Jack 13 Ryan 11 and a dog Rango

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government, including the Town of Wakefield or Wakefield Public Schools?: No

Education: Undergraduate went to Keene State College Double majored Bachelor of Science/ major education and graduated Kappa Delta Pi and A Bachelor or Arts/major social science . Masters in moderate disabilities from Endicott

Occupation: Elementary Special Education Teacher. I have taught at the Tenney Grammar School for the past 17 years

Previous or current elected or appointed office: None

Campaign website: Facebook — Dawn Millward for School Committee

You are running because: This has been a year like no other in education. I feel that my background knowledge and being a parent of two children in the Wakefield Public school system will prove a different perspective and insight which is not currently on the board. There were also going to be four open seats in a single election which is not always the case. I have been thinking about running for several years and I thought this was the perfect opportunity to give back to a town that has given so much to me.

What is the single most pressing issue facing the school committee, and what do you intend to do about it: I think we need to be very aware of our students' social and emotional needs. As we start to come back to school, we need to make sure that we have the right and enough resources to support all our students from elementary up through high school. I would like to implement some new programs that address this area, I also think its imperative that we have a plan in place for assessing academic loss that the pandemic has caused and systematic plan in place to provide interventions, track data and close the gap.

What are key differences between you and your opponents in this race: I currently have students in the system. I also have been teaching elementary aged children through a pandemic. I have first hand knowledge of the impacts that have faced children. I have seen the significant learning loss in core subjects such as reading and math. I also am a special education teacher that is well versed in the needs of some of the most struggling students. I have a strong background in education (specifically special education), first hand knowledge of teaching through COVID and a parent; that is something that the board currently does not have and no other candidates running can offer.

What other issues make up your campaign platform: One thing that I would like to do is continue to strengthen the special education department. I would like to increase the number of programs that are offered in our own school district in the hopes that we can provide a great education in our home schools and decrease the number of our placements. I would also like to continue to develop and strengthen our curriculum around diversity.

What accomplishments and experiences would you cite as evidence you can handle this job:

For the past 17 years, I have been teaching special education in Methuen. I hold a Masters Degree in Moderate Disabilities and continue to take courses to expand my knowledge and stay current. I have a strong commitment to education and a passion for improving the quality of education. I seek out opportunities that enable me to bring my knowledge and leadership qualities to make positive changes for students and teachers. Throughout my years, I have sat on hiring committees for Special Education Directors and Classroom Teachers. I have served as a Supervising Practitioner for Merrimack students completing their Teacher Education Fellowship. I have mentored new hires and was selected to sit on the Restructuring Tiered Support Committee for the district. I also complete all the academic testing for grades one and two special education referrals and team meetings.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and the position:

• I am DEDICATED to the town of Wakefield that has given me so much as a resident for over thirty years and as a graduate of Wakefield public schools…and now to my children
• I have the DRIVE and PASSION to work tirelessly to make sure the needs of all students are being met
• I am INVESTED- I have two children that attend Wakefield public schools
• I am KNOWLEDGEABLE- I have dedicated my entire adult life to early elementary education/special education
• I am OPEN-Minded I have the ability to listen, learn and make informed and unbiased decisions.