Editor’s note: Three (3) candidates are on the ballot for two (2) open seats on the Marion School Committee.
Mary Beauregard, Incumbent
My name is Mary Beauregard. I’m running for reelection to the Marion School Committee. I am currently on the Policy and Equity subcommittees, the Joint School Committee, and I represent Marion for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. In my last term, I successfully worked on contract negotiations with support staff. I am committed to continuing and bettering the work of the Equity Subcommittee as it is tied directly to our district’s Strategic Plan and School Improvement Plan. I believe a parent has every right to decide their own child cannot have access to certain materials, but does not have the right to decide that for others. Our librarians are educated, and I trust they are making the best decisions for the majority of students. I originally ran for Marion School Committee in 2020 when there was an open seat and a need for someone to step up. I had a genuine desire to help and be involved in the school my children would soon be attending. I did not run with a specific agenda on any one issue. I am running for re-election because I believe with my three years of experience I’m now in a position to make more of an impact. Serving on the School Committee has been invaluable and I hope to continue my service.
Nichole Nye McGaffey, Incumbent
I’m Nichole Nye McGaffey and I’m running for one of two Marion School Committee seats up for election. I first got involved with the committee last year as a write-in candidate for a one-year vacancy. No one expressed interest in serving and I didn’t want to leave the committee underrepresented. I grew up in Marion and attended both Sippican School and Old Rochester. I know firsthand that the quality of education we provide the students of Marion is outstanding. It’s a point of pride for this community and a reason people want to live here. I’m passionate about making sure that continues. It’s the job of the school committee to ensure that our administration and faculty have the resources needed to continue to provide the students of Marion with an excellent education within a safe and supportive school community. That’s the mindset I bring to the committee. I attend each meeting open-minded, ready to listen, and ready to help where I can. As a juris doctorate and the only member of the committee that doesn’t have a child attending school in the district, I believe I bring an important and unique perspective to the committee. I’m not running with the support of a local political party or with a political agenda. I have a deep love for this town that has been and will always be home to me and my family. My family has a long legacy of service to this community that I’m very proud of. I’m looking for my own ways to serve it. The work I’m most proud to have supported over the last year includes the wonderful work that Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Shari Fedorowicz is doing to get the school on a district-wide literacy program to allow us to share resources and data across the district, the satellite police office at Sippican that Superintendent Nelson and Chief Nighelli spearheaded as a creative solution to our current budget constraints, and efforts to clarify our public comments policy to ensure transparency, accountability, and community involvement. I ask for your vote on May 12.
Mirian Nawoichik, Challenger
I’m inspired to run in order to help give children the best possible education in Marion. I am a mother of two boys in Sippican School. This has allowed me to understand the needs of families in our school system and I feel there is no better experience than that. I’m also an active member of VASE, Volunteers at Sippican Elementary School. Our children’s education should be a top priority. I’m running for common sense and practical choices. As a School Committee member, my focus will be solely on the educational needs of our children, and I will work to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education. I understand that politics can often cloud decision-making and create unnecessary roadblocks, which is why I am committed to staying away from politics and staying true to our children’s needs. I will work with everyone — parents, teachers, administrators, and community members — to ensure that everyone’s concerns are heard and addressed. I am confident that my decisions will make a positive impact on our school. What our elementary school children are learning is the start of a foundation that will empower them to excel when they eventually head into middle School, high school and beyond. I believe anyone voting for Marion School Committee on May 12 should consider voting for me. I know personally what it’s like to raise two children in our school and I will put education first.