2025 Candidates Tewksbury Township Board of Education
Please note: all five candidates were invited to participate in this Voter Guide. Two did not respond to our invitation.
Candidate Name: Jennifer Flood
e-mail address: mrsjenflood@gmail.com
Brief Bio:
I’m Jen Flood, proud Tewksbury resident, mother of three, and director of Haytown Nursery School. I’ve welcomed new families, built community, and guided our school through challenges while ensuring financial stability and educational excellence. I’m running for the Board of Education to bring experience, dedication, and a child-focused perspective to our schools.
What strategies would you implement to address any current academic or resource gaps in Tewksbury's schools, and how would you prioritize these initiatives within the budget constraints?
I have heard from my child, and I’m sure other parents have heard similar stories, that specials classes like art, music, Spanish, or library are sometimes canceled because the teacher is filling a gap in another classroom. Putting myself in the children’s shoes, I can imagine how disappointing this must be. Thinking as an educator, I’m certain students’ behavior declines when the schedule abruptly changes. No matter the age or stage, children thrive when they have a predictable schedule and can anticipate what happens next.
Moreover, every child learns differently. For some, subjects like art or music are the times when they feel most connected to school. These classes provide essential creative outlets, allowing students to express themselves and experience success that might not be possible in a traditional classroom setting.
Our specials teachers are highly trained professionals who bring unique skills and talents to our schools. Using them as substitutes diminishes the value of their specialty and the gifts they offer to our children’s education.
I understand that we currently offer a competitive rate for substitutes, and that oftentimes substitutes ‘shop around’ for districts offering the highest hourly wage. We cannot force substitutes to choose us, so we need to approach this challenge from a different angle.
To address the resource gap, the Board of Education should review the budget and identify areas where unnecessary expenditures can be reduced. This will free up funds to allow for the hiring of permanent subs as needed. Then, we would no longer be reliant on the whims of subs and our cherished specials teachers won’t be called upon to fill gaps. By allocating resources strategically, we can offer competitive pay, retain teachers, and provide consistency for students.
How do you plan to engage with and address the concerns of parents and teachers in Tewksbury to ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process?
I plan to engage with parents and teachers the same way I have for the past nine years as director of Haytown Nursery School. At Haytown, families and staff come to me with concerns big and small, and my first step is always to listen, ask questions, and understand their perspective. I will bring that same approach to the Board of Education.
I believe Board members should be visible and approachable. They need to show up at school functions and community events, encourage dialogue, remain open to learning, and be curious.
We should hold our teachers, who dedicate themselves to our children’s success, in high regard and ensure their input informs decisions. They are the heart of our schools.
I’m half-joking when I say, if you live in Tewksbury and don’t know me personally, there’s an excellent chance you know someone who does. The interconnectivity of our community is what I love the most about living and working in our sweet town. If you’d like to reach me, give Haytown a call. I’d be happy to chat.
What are your views on incorporating technology in the classroom, and how would you support teachers in integrating these tools effectively?
Technology certainly has a role in the classroom, but it’s important to remember that our children are surrounded by devices all of the time. There needs to be balance.
In recent years, we’ve noticed a significant shift at the preschool level. Many children find it hard to sit and listen to a storybook or focus on art projects, so we make it a priority to help build and expand their attention spans. Children aren’t as independently motivated to do activities that require focus as students were before COVID. Imagine how this translates to the elementary and middle school levels.
While it is essential to teach computer skills at school, I do not support the gamification of learning. In math and language arts especially, students benefit from putting pencil to paper, working through problems, practicing handwriting, sitting in quiet, and developing the kind of focus and retention that web-based programs like Prodigy and Raz-Kids cannot replace.
One idea I am passionate about is introducing American Sign Language (ASL) to our K–8 students. Learning languages supports cognitive growth, and ASL works hand muscles, and requires focus and careful observation. It fosters communication through both hand movements and facial expressions. This initiative would help counteract the developmental skills diminished by screen time, giving our students a ‘hands on’ and engaging way to connect with each other, communicate, and express themselves.
It would be incredible if our students graduate eighth grade with an extensive knowledge of the language. I smile thinking of Tewks teens signing to one another while passing in the bustling high school halls.
How would you approach maintaining and improving school safety and mental health support for students, and what specific programs or policies would you advocate for?
This question touches on the tenderest part of every parents’ heart: ensuring that our children are safe and supported while away from us. School safety goes beyond locked doors and buzz-in systems. It is creating an environment where children feel secure, connected, known and understood. Children who feel seen and cared for are primed to learn and grow.
I believe our Tewksbury Elementary School (TES) students are well cared for in regards to mental health support. I particularly admire the work of Sheila Donovan, the elementary school guidance counselor, whose genuine care for our children and commitment to their well-being shines through in everything she does.
My daughters, now 15 and 13, had wonderful experiences at TES before beginning their middle school careers at Old Turnpike School (OTS). After both their first years, we chose to enroll them elsewhere. The pace, schedule, expectations, social structure, and ‘sink or swim’ approach overwhelmed my girls. As our daughters’ enthusiasm for school faded, we sought out alternative options that would reignite their love of learning. I know our experience is not unique, as I’ve heard similar stories from other families. There is an unmet need for stronger student and family support at OTS. This is what inspired me to run for the board.
I envision solutions that elevate and strengthen initiatives happening in district right now:
I absolutely love the concept of TES dens. For anyone unfamiliar with the program, dedicated mixed-age groups of students meet regularly and engage under the guidance of a teacher. The model fosters mentorship, empathy, and a sense of belonging. I would like administrators to explore how a similar structure could be implemented at the middle school, helping students form meaningful cross-grade connections beyond their immediate social groups.
Executive Functioning skills are life skills, and imparting them to our children provides both academic and mental health support. OTS students are expected to take ownership of their workload, prioritize assignments, and advocate for themselves. Fifth graders are just ten years old, and for many, this is an overwhelming and anxiety-inducing ask. I would like mandatory Executive Functioning courses provided to our students. Teaching children how to prioritize, organize, and manage their work supports academic success at OTS, and prepares them for high school and beyond. Rather than ‘sinking’ or ‘swimming’, our students should be ‘equipped’ and ‘empowered’ with skills to achieve.
I was pleased to see enhanced programs for rising fifth graders, such as an all-day orientation at OTS. This is a promising start. Supplementing these initiatives with parent education sessions would help families better understand the transition process, recognize potential challenges, and access resources to support their children. Executive Functioning courses at school, combined with seminars for parents to reinforce these skills at home, create the foundation for extraordinary students!
The Tewksbury district is doing many things right in terms of physical safety. Our buildings are well-monitored and all visitors must be buzzed in. Our students are provided secure indoor environments, but there is room for improvement outdoors.
A few years ago, we installed a privacy fence around the Haytown playground because there was simply no need for passers-by to see our children at play. I believe similar measures should be considered for the TES and OTS properties.
Our buildings are secure, but school grounds and parking lots remain open to the public. Our children are visible when they are outside. A privacy fence around the TES playground would shield children from the view of the parking lot and surrounding wooded areas. OTS grounds are configured differently, but a partial fence located in front of the hill would block sightlines of Old Turnpike Road.
I often tell my Haytown families that our ultimate goal is to keep our children and school community safe and healthy. The same goal guides my vision for our Tewksbury district schools.
Can you share your vision for fostering inclusivity and diversity within the Tewksbury school district, and how would you ensure that all students feel represented and supported?
While I appreciate this question, it is a politically charged one given the connotation of these words in our country today. I am running for the Tewksbury Board of Education because this role is not meant to be political.
I believe board members should put aside personal political beliefs and prioritize the best interests of our schools, teachers, and students. A board that operates with neutrality encourages collaboration and mutual respect, ensures that diverse perspectives are welcomed, and allows every voice to be heard and considered without bias.
I urge fellow board members to share in my commitment to collaboration and neutrality. It is my sincere hope that decision-making is guided not by political agendas, but by what is best for the children of Tewksbury.
With all that being said, I believe that Tewksbury is a loving, inclusive, and supportive community. Over the years, I’ve witnessed countless examples of neighbors caring for one another, families coming together in support of our schools, and residents welcoming newcomers with warmth and generosity. From community events to everyday acts of kindness, the care people show for one another, especially for our children, is evident everywhere. It is this strong sense of community and connection makes Tewksbury a wonderful place to raise a family.
Candidate Name: Sandra L. Hoy-Weiberth
e-mail address: sandy.hoy@gmail.com
Candidate Name: Susanne Jardinella
e-mail address: sjjardinella@gmail.com
Candidate Name: Faith Ross
e-mail address: faith4tewksbury@gmail.com
website: https://www.instagram.com/faith4tewksbury/
Brief Bio:
Born and raised in Tewksbury, I am thrilled to see my son thrive in the same district where I spent so many happy years. I am a book editor and spend my free time volunteering in the school and larger community. I live in Oldwick with my husband, my 9-year-old son, and our 2 moderately well-behaved Black Labs.
Questions:
What strategies would you implement to address any current academic or resource gaps in Tewksbury's schools, and how would you prioritize these initiatives within the budget constraints?
I was proud to participate in the Five-Year Strategic Planning process the district undertook this past year and so am deeply familiar with the goals and desired outcomes the parents, community members, teachers, and administrators have set for our schools in the coming years. As a board member, my intent would be to find ways to help implement these goals while maintaining a balanced budget. Community and parental involvement were crucial in creating these plans and will be equally as important in bringing them to bear. For the past three years I have been a board member of the Tewksbury Education Foundation, which is devoted to exactly this – providing enrichment programs outside the scope of the school budget. My experience with TEF will be invaluable as a board member.
How do you plan to engage with and address the concerns of parents and teachers in Tewksbury to ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process?
Interpersonal connections are so important, especially in a town as small and close-knit as Tewksbury. Since my son started in kindergarten here four years ago, I have formed many close connections with other parents, teachers, and community members and look forward to being able to bring community concerns to the board meetings for discussion. As vice-president of the Tewksbury Education Foundation, I have spent the last three years working closely with teachers and administrators at both schools to bring innovative programs to TES and OTS and meet regularly with representatives from both schools to hear about what their needs are.
What are your views on incorporating technology in the classroom, and how would you support teachers in integrating these tools effectively?
Technology can be a very effective tool when used judiciously, but a lot of the feedback we saw during the strategic planning sessions is a desire from parents (as well as teachers and administrators) to not rely too heavily on technology for learning. The questions and concerns that AI has brought up across many fields, including education, also need to be addressed. It is a hard balance to strike to help the kids learn these new tools while preventing an over-reliance on technology, but I trust our skilled and dedicated teachers and administrators to find this balance that is best for their students and will work with them to help achieve it.
How would you approach maintaining and improving school safety and mental health support for students, and what specific programs or policies would you advocate for?
As we have all seen too frequently lately, both school safety and mental health support are of tantamount importance. I am thankful that we live in a small community where the schools have such close ties to the police department and where our school counselors provide such excellent support. Implementing the proposed mental health suggestions from our strategic planning sessions will be a primary goal of mine as well as working with the schools to enhance our already robust security procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all our students.
Can you share your vision for fostering inclusivity and diversity within the Tewksbury school district, and how would you ensure that all students feel represented and supported?
Celebrating and embracing all of our unique and wonderful students is so important, especially in such a small town. As neighbors and friends and community members, we should strive to treat one another with respect and dignity no matter our differences, starting with our youngest residents. In my work with TEF, we have brought in workshops for students on kindness and self-acceptance, and I would love to help continue to find more programs and ways to support our increasingly diverse student population as a member of the board of education.
Candidate Name: Jessica Russo
e-mail address: jessicawrusso12@gmail.com
Brief Bio:
I am Jessica Russo, a proud Tewksbury resident since 2021. I’m a dedicated mother of three and actively involved in their school and sports communities. I enjoy walking our dogs through CHP and taking in savory Oldwick delights. Professionally I’m a global Research & Development portfolio and project management leader.
Questions:
What strategies would you implement to address any current academic or resource gaps in Tewksbury schools, and how would you prioritize these initiatives within the budget constraints?
To effectively identify and close academic and resource gaps in the Tewksbury School District, I would implement a multi-tiered strategy focused on data analysis, targeted support, and community collaboration, all while remaining mindful of budget limitations. I would advocate for regular reviews of academic performance, attendance, and engagement metrics. These insights, combined with surveys and focus groups involving teachers, students, and families, would help us identify gaps from multiple perspectives and ensure our strategies are responsive to real needs. Secondly, I prioritize high-impact initiatives to focus on programs that have a proven track record of success, such as early literacy interventions, math enrichment, and differentiated instruction to allow all students to reach their full academic potential. In terms of being fiscally responsible while representing our community, I would champion for budget conscious planning utilizing a tiered budgeting approach: prioritize essential programs first, then allocate remaining funds to scalable initiatives while also pursuing state and federal grants that are available. Last but not least I would continue to support our community through transparency and accountable open communication about budget decisions and program outcomes. Establishing clear metrics to evaluate the success of each initiative would allow us to adjust strategies as needed and ensure continuous improvement.
How do you plan to engage with and address the concerns of parents and teachers in Tewksbury to ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process?
I am committed to fostering open and responsive communication with the parents and teachers of the Tewksbury School District. Whether through live discussions, phone conversations, or email correspondence, I will ensure that I am an accessible and reliable resource — someone who listens actively and responds thoughtfully. By creating consistent opportunities for dialogue, I aim to ensure that the voices of our families and educators are not only heard but meaningfully reflected in the decision-making processes of the Board of Education. This approach strengthens trust, promotes transparency, and ensures that our policies and initiatives are grounded in the real needs and concerns of our community.
What are your views on incorporating technology in the classroom, and how would you support teachers in integrating these tools effectively?
I believe that technology in the classroom should serve a purposeful and value-added role enhancing student learning and supporting the teacher’s instructional strategy. Its integration must be intentional, with clear benefits that align with educational goals.
For example, platforms like Google Classroom offer students opportunities to strengthen their executive function skills, such as planning, organizing, and goal-setting. These tools not only support academic success but also help students develop lifelong skills in self-management and accountability. To ensure effective integration, I would advocate for a collaborative approach where our educational community regularly reviews the purpose and impact of technology tools. This includes understanding how to use them, evaluating their benefits, and aligning them with measurable learning outcomes. By doing so, we can ensure that technology remains a meaningful and strategic part of our students’ educational journey.
How would you approach maintaining and improving school safety and mental health support for students, and what specific programs or policies would you advocate for?
I would approach maintaining and improving school safety across the Tewksbury School District through prioritizing to build a more comprehensive action plan in collaboration with local and state authorities. This plan would ensure we remain aligned with the latest proven safety measures, tools, and training protocols — delivering the highest standards of protection for our students while they are in school. For example, the Tewksbury Township School District Bond Referendum Question 1 is seeking approval for essential facility improvements, such as, exterior doors that would provide key resistant to forced entry. A key component of this strategy is the frequent reinforcement of safety training for staff, which builds accountability, consistency, and a shared sense of responsibility. Ongoing professional development ensures that safety practices are not only understood but embedded into the daily culture of our schools. In parallel, I would advocate for the continued development of mental health support systems for students. Leveraging existing student-led groups such as the Peer Leadership Team at OTS and the Den Packs at TES, we can empower students to take an active role in supporting one another through everyday acts of kindness, friendship, and empathy. These groups foster peer accountability and create safe spaces for emotional growth and connection. Additionally, I would promote expanded opportunities for team-building activities across our student communities. These experiences help strengthen relationships, build trust, and cultivate a deeper sense of belonging —essential elements of a safe and inclusive school environment.
Can you share your vision for fostering inclusivity and diversity within the Tewksbury school district, and how would you ensure that all students feel represented and supported?
My vision for fostering inclusivity and diversity within the Tewksbury school district is to cultivate a welcoming environment where every student, staff member, and family feels respected, valued, and supported. At the heart of this vision is mutual respect, which serves as the foundation for meaningful relationships in a thriving school community. To ensure all students feel represented and empowered, I will champion multiple avenues of engagement that reflect the diverse voices within our district. A key component of this effort is the promotion of student-led initiatives, which foster a stronger sense of belonging and encourage personal growth. One example of such an initiative is encouraging staff to actively support and facilitate student-driven ideas for clubs, councils, and activities. By helping students bring their passions to life, we create opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and cultural exchange — ultimately enriching the educational experience for all. Together, we can build a school district where diversity is celebrated, inclusivity is practiced daily, and every individual can have the opportunity to thrive.