My name is Kayla Biagioni-Smith and I am excited to announce my candidacy for Tewksbury School Committee. The School Committee is responsible for making decisions that affect all students, staff, and families in town, and I am the candidate to vote for if you want your voice heard.
Tewksbury Town Elections Were
April 2nd
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
My collective experiences align with the main responsibilities of this job and have prepared me to take the next step and be there for not only my children, but for every child.
I am running for School Committee because I would like to continue to bring this passion to all our students. I believe that I can help Tewksbury schools continue to meet the needs of all children throughout their learning journeys and understand our educational goals. I feel strongly that calculated, researched, and well-thought-out decisions are needed to meet the needs of our community. I believe in open communication among parents, teachers, administration, and the students we support. Everyone's voice matters, and I hope that I can be the person to ensure your voice is heard.
I am excited to see what great things WE can do for OUR students and would be honored to hold this position! Here's to making everlasting memories.
Find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/658131318694801/
or reach out at Kayla4Tewksbury@gmail.com
To learn more about my background, professional experience, volunteerism, Tewksbury Public Schools experience, and why I am the right person for this job, please read on below. Thank you for your support now and when we hit the polls on April 2!
My Background
I come from a military and first-responder family with siblings, in-laws, and a spouse who currently serve our country and community. I was taught from a young age the importance of family, community, and giving back to those in need.
Originally from Medford, my husband and I have lived in Tewksbury since 2010, when we purchased our home here. We chose this community to raise our children, who are now 11 and 9 years old. We could not be more proud of that decision.
For the past 12 years, we have been engaged members of the Tewksbury community, whether through coaching Youth Girls Basketball, attending parades, or supporting seasonal or holiday events.
Professional Experiences
I’ve worked for John Hancock, a Top 10 life insurance company, for 16 years in various positions including customer service, legal consultations, and operations management.
Currently I am a Senior Risk Analyst, where I focus on ensuring the business has proper operational mitigating controls in place to prevent financial loss, fraudulent activity, or significant impact to customer and corporate stakeholders. To add context, John Hancock currently has $184.6 billion assets under management.
I hold licenses and certifications as a Certified Project Professional, Certified Project Officer, Certified Project Master, and Certified Project Director.
While employed with John Hancock, I have received numerous awards and been recognized for my leadership skills and nominated as a “Star of Excellence” for being an individual who acts as a role model, works collaboratively, questions and innovates, and owns the future through accountability for customer-centricity and leadership.
I am a Diversity and Inclusion Employee Resource Group (ERG) Leader. I am a founding co-chair for the Military Employee Community ERG, where we provide a place of support for veterans, family members, and those who support the men and women who serve our country. I am also an ally to 13 additional ERG communities, including Global Women’s Alliance, Indigenous Peoples and Their Allies, Valuing the Inclusion of the Black Experience, and Association of Multicultural Professionals. More can be found here.
I have been selected to work on a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion board to assist in the hiring of additional BIPOC, women, and veterans in the next few years to align with company inclusivity initiatives.
Volunteer Experiences and More
I am a 15-year member of the Elks Lodge with active membership at the Tewksbury-Wilmington Lodge.
Elected co-chair with the Heath Brook & Trahan (2017-current) as well as the Ryan Elementary School (2021-current) Parent Advisory Councils.
Newly appointed member (Resident at Large) on the Tewksbury North & Trahan School Reuse Committee.
I am an 8-year volunteer with the Boston Marathon and various other BAA events.
I have partnered with Essex County Habitat for Humanity on various builds, including one in Andover, Ma.
I assist in planting 37,000+ flags annually at Boston Common in recognition of Memorial Day alongside the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
I have assisted in leading free workouts around town with the Tewksbury No Excuse Mom community - a supportive group of women who prioritize health and wellness.
Our Schools
I have volunteered in our schools since my daughters each attended pre-school. Whether in the classroom, the library, field trips, or school events, I have made an enormous effort to ensure I could be there.
Being a PAC co-chair has provided me with a unique opportunity to not only be in the schools more, but to learn how they operate and see how decisions are made. We are able to work closely with the building Principals, Teachers, and Staff, but also with the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent.
I have assisted and aided the schools in numerous social and community events, including extremely successful fundraisers to bring rewarding enrichment programs to the students. In a typical year, we fundraise over $45,000 to give back to our students and our community.
I have a vested interest in our Special Education Department and understand the increasing social and emotional needs our students face.
I have worked to build relationships with fellow parent leaders throughout our district to ensure all students have the best and most memorable experiences, regardless of which building they’re walking into each day. I am known for being open, approachable, and willing to take on any task to ensure we provide the best education and experience to our students.
Volunteer at the Heath Brook School holiday event 2019
Helping at the annual Fun Run in fall of 2021
Mascot duties are my favorite
Saver FUNdrive collecting items at the schools in 2019