Wakefield Election Profiles: Stephen Ingalls, School Committee

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The following candidate profile is from Stephen Ingalls, who is running for School Committee.

Your name: Stephen Ingalls

Age, as of April. 1, 2021: 44

Town of residence: Wakefield

Position sought: School Committee (3yr Seat)

Party affiliation: Independent

Family: Married, 2 children 5yrs and 8yrs

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

Education: Bachelor of Science in Technology

Occupation: Project Manager - Security Technology

Previous or current elected or appointed office: None

Campaign website: https://ingallscampaign.wixsit...

You are running because: I enjoy being a part of the school community, I have cherished my time on the Woodville PTO. I have a creative approach to problem solving and I believe that that will be a needed perspective in not only the near future, but in the coming years.

What is the single most pressing issue facing the school committee, and what do you
intend to do about it: Ensuring that all children have access to appropriate opportunities to meet their needs, as we begin to address the widened gaps in education. We have learned a lot in the past year about the ways that students learn on individualized levels, and we will need to listen to those experiences and be able to find ways to create actionable plans around what is working and what has been less successful. I intend to work with other committee members, our administrators, our educators, and education specialists to make sure that we are following best practices in identifying issues, triaging accordingly, and adequately addressing needs.

What are key differences between you and your opponents in this race: I come from a varied background in both my education and my professional career. I can see many viewpoints on issues and am adept at consensus building.

What other issues make up your campaign platform: Communications; working to better inform the community on School Committee business and policy, Equity and Opportunity for all learners so that we can enable our students’ individual successes. Goal Setting to be able to properly assess what is working and what needs to be re- worked. All of these will be important as we adjust to what has become a changed learning environment.

What accomplishments and experiences would you cite as evidence you can handle
this job: A twenty-year career in the construction industry, achieving project milestones under budget and time constraints while ensuring stakeholder needs are met or exceeded. A unique path as a lifelong learner which leaves me more open than most, to the benefits of an individualized approach to education, a perspective needed as we emerge from the current challenges. My time on the PTO has deepened my connection to the school district and taught me how to get things done in this environment.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and the position: I am a person who sees the value in challenges -- when addressed appropriately, they can be an opportunity for growth. I will work to be a part of the team who will find the innovative solutions to the challenges that will be ever present as we support our students in their return to a more normal classroom. I look forward to sharing my voice, and the voices of the people I would represent, with the larger committee so that together we would represent a fuller, inclusive, and more diverse community.