Greg Liakos Announces School Committee Candidacy

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The following was provided by the Greg Liakos for Wakefield School Committee campaign:

Greg Liakos kicked off his campaign for Wakefield School Committee Wednesday night with a call for community action to advance the quality of the town's public education system with new leadership and smart investment. 

"Last year's overwhelming vote of support for a new Galvin Middle School was a clarion call for public education," said Liakos, of 8 Grafton Street. "Voters  said it's time to reinvest in our children and in our community's future.  "Now the School Committee is poised to select a new Superintendent of Schools,  who will help lead our education system in a new direction. We have made much  progress, but we can do better. I want to bring my experience, passion, and  energy to this effort." 

Last year, while running for Selectman, Liakos made support for the Galvin  project a centerpiece of his campaign. He said he was inspired by conversations  with dozens of town leaders, parents, and educators who are committed to  improving Wakefield’s schools. He chose to run for School Committee this year to  harness their energy, and to work with the current School Committee, the new  Superintendent, teachers, and Wakefield’s elected leadership to continue that progress  together.       

Liakos has dedicated his career to assuring a central place for the arts and  humanities in our children's education--as head of public relations for the  Peabody Essex Museum, communications director for the Massachusetts Cultural  Council, and Board member of the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities. He  also played a key role in helping form MASSCreative, a new statewide network of  advocates for the arts and arts education.  

"Greg Liakos has a passion for learning, a passion for the arts and  humanities, and a passion to serve our community." said Anthony Guardia. "That's the exact type of person Wakefield deserves to have leading our School Department."

Added State Rep. Paul Brodeur, who represents Wakefield in the Legislature:  "Greg gets it. He understands that public schools need strong advocates, and he  knows how to make the case."  The campaign formally launched at REMAX on Tuttle Street, managed by realtors  and school parents Angie Sciarrappa and Laurie Hunt.

Prominent members of the community in attendance included:

* State Rep. Paul Brodeur

* Wakefield Selectman Jim Good

* Wakefield School Committee Members Chris Callanan, Janine Cook, Kate Morgan,  & Kevin Piskadlo

* Wakefield Planning Board Chair Matthew Lowry

* Wakefield Cultural Council member Peter Stickel

* Karen Faler of the Friends of Lake Quannapowitt

* Wakefield activists Laurie Hunt, Angie Sciarappa, Fred Rich LaRiccia, Elizabeth Lowry, Maura Racamato, and many more.  Liakos spent his early career as a journalist, earning top honors from the  Massachusetts and New England Press Associations for reporting on government, education, and arts and culture. He was the chief political reporter at the  Salem News when we were named Newspaper of the Year by the New England Newspaper  Association.  Liakos will be easily accessible throughout his grass-roots campaign and online  at www.GregLiakos.com.  On April 23, cast one of your votes for Greg Liakos for School Committee and ensure Wakefield schools and their students get the leadership and support they  deserve.