My name is Kayla Biagioni-Smith and I am excited to announce my re-election campaign for Tewksbury School Committee.
My name is Kayla Biagioni-Smith and I am excited to announce my re-election campaign for Tewksbury School Committee.
Tewksbury Town Elections Are
April 5th
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
My collective experiences, including the last three years as a seated School Committee member, have prepared me to continue to be a voice for every child in Tewksbury.
I am running for re-election because I would like to continue to bring this passion to support all our students. I believe I can continue to help Tewksbury schools meet the needs of all children throughout their learning journeys and understand 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 keep doing for OUR students and would be honored to hold this position for another term!
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 over the last three years and when we hit the polls on April 5!
As an elected Committee Member (2022-2025) I have prioritized our schools and students needs. In my first three year term, I take pride in not missing a single business meeting understanding the importance of the role I was elected to do. I have attended the annual MASC Conference to broaden my knowledge of trending topics of interest, changing laws and critical informant to better do my job. I have found time to be a present and active community member attending local holiday events, school functions (including prom, graduation, fundraisers, and more), sporting events, theater productions, and many many events hosted by our students and staff. Recently, the Committee began hosting open "coffee chats" where I have been able to connect with our parents and caregivers on matters that they feel strongly about. See more on my initiatives and accomplishments during my first term HERE .
I have sat on a number of sub-committees or acted as a liaison in my first term including:
Tewksbury Special Education Parent Advisory Council
Tewksbury Wellness Committee
Diversity Equity & Inclusion Advisory Committee
District Security Team
Negotiation Teams: Nurses, Food Services and Administrators
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 14 and 12 years old. We could not be more proud of that decision.
For the past 15 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 20 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 an Employee Resource Group (ERG) Leader as a founding co-chair for the Military Employee Community, 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.
Volunteer Experiences and More
I am a 19-year member of the Elks Lodge with active membership at the Tewksbury-Wilmington Lodge.
Elected co-chair with the Heath Brook & Trahan (2017-2022) as well as the Ryan Elementary School (2021-2022) Parent Advisory Councils.
Active member (Resident at Large) on the now disbanded Tewksbury North & Trahan School Reuse Committee.
I am an 11-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 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.
As a parent of an Out of District student, I have a heightened interest in our Special Education Department and understand the increasing educational, 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
Walking in the Memorial Day Parade with fellow members and our children in 2024.
Mascot duties are my favorite - Open House 2018
Saver FUNdrive collecting items at the schools in 2019
2024 MASC Annual Conference w/Chair Bridget Garabedian & Superintendent Brenda Theriault Regan.
With members of the TSEPAC and fellow Committee members.
2024 TMHS Graduation with fellow Committee members.
Committee members and our daughters volunteering at the CES Science Night, 2024.