JoAnna French Runs for Westwood School Committee

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Thanks to JoAnna French for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.

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JoAnna French has announced her candidacy for one of the two open seats on the Westwood School Committee. The Westwood town election will take place on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

JoAnna lives in Westwood with her husband, Patrick, and their two sons Tim and Danny, both of whom attend Westwood Public Schools. JoAnna is also currently a co-chair of the Thurston Middle School PTO, where she has been instrumental in leading initiatives including Friday Night Fun, 8th-grade events, and other enrichment activities. Patrick has been coaching the boys through the Westwood Youth Soccer and Westwood Basketball Association.

“I’m proud of the education my boys are receiving in Westwood,” said French. “I’m committed to building for the future while sustaining our academic excellence today.”

JoAnna has spent the last 20 years in higher education at Harvard and MIT. In her current role as Director of Content Marketing at MIT Sloan School of Management, she is integral in helping colleagues compellingly tell their stories.

“Every day, I see the end result: students who are relentlessly experimental,” French stated. “Students who challenge convention and tempt failure; students who seek out new, diverse perspectives, and who collaborate with respect and curiosity. Students like this come from places like Westwood.”

French cited the need for continued progress in Westwood public schools, building on the success of today while maintaining its standing as a top school district.

“We’re lucky to have exceptional teachers, strong administrative leadership, and town officials who prioritize education,” noted French. “But this doesn’t happen by accident. It takes thoughtful, careful stewardship, intentional planning, and transparent communication—all of which I bring years of experience to.”

If elected, French pledges to bring her transparent communication style and curious and collaborative nature to work for Westwood. “I promise to lead with compassion, agility, and intention to keep Westwood moving forward.”

French welcomes you to contact her at joanna@joannaforwestwood.com to learn more about her vision for Westwood. She will also be holding a Campaign Kickoff event at Neroli Ristorante on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 6 p.m. RSVP here.

For more information, visit joannaforwestwood.com.