An experienced, collaborative leader.

Why I’m running for re-election

I’m running for re‑election to the Westwood School Committee because I care deeply about our schools and the people who make them strong. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside educators, families, and district leaders to support student success and make thoughtful decisions on behalf of our community.

Westwood’s schools thrive when we lead with trust, transparency, and collaboration. If re‑elected, I will continue working to educate the whole child, foster a true sense of belonging for every student, and prepare our graduates for success—while protecting the academic excellence that defines Westwood today.

My Priorities:

  • What does this look like?

    • Building strong partnerships between students, teachers, and families.

    • Encouraging problem-solving and innovation in every classroom.

    • Leading with transparency and accountability in every decision.

    • Preparing students to be active citizens in their community and beyond.

      Read more in our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan

    • Plan ahead for our school buildings so they keep up with what students will need now and for years to come.

    • Choose what best supports student learning, especially when deciding the right path forward for Thurston and Sheehan.

    • Keep the process transparent and collaborative, bringing families, educators, town leaders, and residents into the conversation at every step.

    • Spend responsibly, choosing solutions that are cost‑effective and supportive of great teaching while being mindful of our taxpayers.

      Learn more about our District Capital Plan here

  • Meaningful progress doesn’t happen overnight—it takes shared expectations, thoughtful planning, strategic investments, and sustained professional development. With focused leadership, open communication, and steady engagement from staff and families, we are well positioned to refine our systems, preserve what’s working well, address what needs attention, and support every student in the least restrictive, most effective way.

    Read the full report here

Tenure Highlights:

  • Led transparent, community‑driven planning to prioritize rebuilding Thurston Middle School

  • Helped shape Westwood’s Strategic Plan, aligning district priorities with the Portrait of a Graduate

  • Represented WPS to negotiate with the WTA, prioritizing good‑faith dialogue and long‑term stability

  • Restored travel‑ and service‑based learning, expanding global, experiential opportunities for students

  • Opened Pine Hill Elementary School, delivering a modern, sustainable learning environment

Read on for more accomplishments

PLEDGE YOUR VOTE
4 people stand in front of a podium of the MA State House
Four school committee members wearing construction hard hats and high-visibility safety vests are standing inside a building under construction.
Four school committee members standing together at a social event, smiling at the camera. The group includes two women and two men, with decorations and other attendees in the background.

I love this work and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made. With your support, we’ll keep moving forward. Together, we can ensure our schools remain a place where students thrive.

Please vote for JoAnna French for Westwood School Committee on or before April 28th!

Our potential, realized.

Let’s connect.

Email: joanna@joannaforwestwood.com
Phone: 339.226.0178

Yep, that’s my cell phone. Call or text. I’d love to chat.

I especially want to hear from you. I want to hear about the challenges your family is facing, understand your perspective, and learn what excites you about the future of Westwood.

A group of people, including children and adults, participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside Pine Hill Elementary School with distinctive architectural features, under a partly cloudy sky.
Three smiling people standing on a football field, dressed in athletic clothing with race bibs, after participating in a race event.