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My name is Joanna Garren and I am running for re-election for Everett School Committee, Ward 2. My husband and I moved to Everett in 2016, and I have since become a homeowner and mother of 2 special needs children in the Everett public schools. Everett has become a real home to my family, and I am grateful for the community we have found here.
I have a life-long passion for serving my community. I am a graduate of the AmeriCorps NCCC program where I helped to rebuild communities after the damage of hurricane Katrina. Since moving to Everett, I have served on the boards of the Everett Arts and Cultural Council, the Everett Food Policy Council, and Integral Arts Everett.
During my first term on the School Committee I helped increase family accessibility during meetings by voting for increased translation services. I also led the committee in an endorsement to remove the MCAS graduation requirement in favor of testing more representative and fairer to communities like Everett. This past year, I worked alongside Superintendent Hart to get outside help from the Lions Club so our students can be up to date on state-mandated vision screenings. This, along with the hiring of more school nurses, will bring our health screenings up to date and give our children the best chances to learn.
Looking forward, I hope to hear from the community and learn about what is most important to you regarding the schools. I also hope to work alongside the City Council and administration to solve the massive school overcrowding issue. Most importantly, I want every child in our schools to feel safe and supported, no matter what. Everett is a wonderfully diverse community with people from all different walks of life, and I believe that diversity enriches the school experience for all everyone, including my own children.
If you have questions or would like a lawn sign, please email me at jo***********@***il.com, or send a Facebook message to Joanna Garren for Everett School Committee Ward 2. I will see you all on November 4th!
-Joanna Garren
