Editor’s note: Jean Wall is running unopposed for one of the three four-year seats on the School Committee.
Address: 40 High St.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business education
Work experience: 21 years selling real estate as a broker in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C.
Political experience: Greenfield Planning and Construction Committee chair; Capital Improvements Committee member; Greenfield Parking Commission; Greenfield Redevelopment Authority; Greenfield Housing Authority; Greenfield Library Foundation; past chair of the John Zon Building Committee and the Greenfield Library Building Committee
How long have you lived in Greenfield? 12 years
Are you up-to-date on your property taxes? Have you ever been delinquent? Yes and no
What qualities would you bring to the Greenfield School Committee? While selling real estate, I learned that everyone wanted to live in the best school districts, whether they had children or not. Good schools increase the value of real estate in the community, thereby lowering tax rates. I pledge to work toward that goal by building connections between the School Committee, parents, teachers and students. By creating a culture of support and transparency, there can be continuous improvement toward all goals.
My years of volunteering on various committees in Greenfield has allowed me to see that all issues are connected. Repairs to schools buildings are just as important as repairs to other city-owned buildings, and all must be scheduled in a way that keeps property taxes stable. Another example would be that working with the homeless often leads to more children in the schools. Therefore, there must always be lines of communication open throughout the city to solve problems on every level.
What is the biggest issue facing Greenfield Public Schools and how would you solve it? Stable funding of the schools is the biggest issue facing the school system. Having worked on many budget items for the city, I have learned that long-term planning is crucial. Budgets must be prepared for at least five years with a commitment to continuous improvement district-wide. There must be transparency so the community understands the results of keeping funding at the same level each year or the advantages of increased funding. Connecting goals, initiatives and budgets to outcomes for students creates a stable and successful future for Greenfield Public Schools.