Jana DiNatale for Methuen School Committee

As a mom of two children in Methuen schools, I bring a fresh perspective – a parent’s perspective – to the setting of educational goals. I’m asking for one of your six votes for School Committee in November  so that I can continue serving our community as a School Committee member.

Parents deserve to have their views and concerns represented; I will continue to be that voice.  I will remain responsive to parent inquiries and concerns.  I continue to advocate for an educational system where each child has the opportunity to reach his or her own maximum potential.  I support programs that close the education gap, and our special education services so that every child can succeed.  I advocate for goals that go beyond mere proficiency, because each child deserves an educational environment where he or she has the opportunity to achieve proficiency with distinction.

As a community, we value high quality and effective public education. I am committed to educational excellence, strong fiscal responsibility, transparency and communication, school safety, improved parent/teacher partnerships, and a best-evidence approach to decision making.

I have worked tirelessly to serve the needs of all students, regardless of ability and background. To this end, I am committed to maximizing available resources to retain and expand effective programs, and encourage new programming where we have room for improvement. I understand my responsibility to provide the best learning opportunities for all students while being fiscally responsible to the hardworking people of Methuen.

I respect our schools’ administrators and faculty, and I greatly admire our teachers who are passionate about their jobs and instill a love of learning in children. I support a professional working environment that provides teachers with the tools they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability. I encourage parent communication and partnering with families so that we can work together to help our children succeed.

I am an independent and fair decision-maker, considering the interests of the people of Methuen and analyzing and balancing the needs and concerns of all parties. I’m a team player who wants to be involved so that I can give back to the community we love.  We’ve made Methuen our “forever home” and I want to do my part to keep Methuen moving forward.

After working for twelve years as Assistant District Attorney at the Essex County District Attorney’s Office prosecuting misdemeanors and felonies in the District and Superior Courts, I am delighted to have this opportunity to switch gears and help our schools reach their full potential.  As Deputy Director of Training, I had the opportunity to work in a teaching role which gives me an additional perspective.  For several years prior to running for School Committee, I volunteered with the Timony Parent-Teacher Organization to serve the needs of students and families, which helped me to truly understand the concerns of our school communities. While I continue to donate time to the PTO, my seat on School Committee has become the focus for much of my time and energy.

Please contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns; I can be reached directly at (978) 490-0236.  I sincerely hope you support my bid for re-election when you vote in November.

THANK YOU.