Winthrop Mother and Business Owner Announces Bid for School Committee

Long-time Winthrop Resident Jennifer Powell, an editor and marketing communications consultant, has announced that she is running for School Committee.

Powell, the mother of five children including a seventh grader and sophomore attending Winthrop Schools, said she is motivated by a desire to see Winthrop Schools thrive.

“The strength of a community is determined by the strength of its schools,” she said. “We have fabulous facilities, but beautiful buildings aren’t enough. We need to support good teachers, provide solid programs for students of all levels and get people involved.”

Powell is the founder and principal of the Excellent Writers Group, providing online marketing and training services for emerging and growing businesses. She previously was a business reporter and columnist for the Boston Herald. She has been a Girl Scout Leader for six years, serves on the board of the Cottage Park Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program, is a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Park Street Church in Boston, and has volunteered to help with activities at the Fort Banks Elementary School, Arthur T. Cummings School, Winthrop Middle School and Winthrop High School.

“Jen has been so involved in the schools, both volunteering and advocating for them in the Winthrop is Worth It campaign and having kids in both the middle school and high school means she would bring an important perspective to the school committee,” noted School Committee Member Laura Callis.

Powell said that as the town benefits from its updated school facilities, including the new track and football field currently under construction, its focus must be on strategic planning to anticipate future needs for the school system and preparation to meet challenges. Among her priorities, Powell believes it is important to attract and retain dynamic teachers and ensure that the school environment be safe and welcoming to all students.

“Through being involved with my children’s activities, I have seen the strengths of our schools and the many excellent opportunities our students have,” Powell said. “We need to build on these and continually improve the educational experience for our students.”