Candidate Statement

May 11, 2020

Dear fellow Waylander,

Even though our lives have changed dramatically over the past couple of months, as a candidate for Wayland School Committee I have been thinking of you and the challenges ahead for our town and the education of our children. The Town Election is currently slated for Tuesday, June 9 but I encourage you to vote early by mail (early ballot application online here) and hopefully cast your vote for me, Christopher Ryan.

One of the primary responsibilities of the School Committee is to formulate and then recommend an appropriate school budget for approval by the entire Wayland community. Especially in these times, I understand the need for budgeting responsibly and efficiently to achieve the greatest impact with what may prove to be more limited resources.

For the past 4 years, I have had the privilege of serving on Wayland’s Audit Committee as the School Committee’s appointee. In that role, I have been able to analyze and gain a greater understanding of the town’s overall finances. Based on the results of recent audits, it is essential, starting now, that the town and school department adopt a more coordinated and centralized approach to financial operations by implementing the internal controls that ensure the town’s funds are allocated correctly.

Another one of the important responsibilities of the School Committee is the selection and oversight of the Superintendent of Schools. We have all heard the recent news that, after just three years, the School Committee will be embarking again on a search for a new Superintendent of Wayland Public Schools at one of the most challenging times in education. I want to be a part of that selection process. Wayland needs a Superintendent who is a unifier, a visionary, and a collaborator. Our schools deserve a leader who is passionately committed to the long-term goals of our district. She should be thoughtful, intelligent, transparent, possessing cutting-edge knowledge, to guide our school community on a path into a future where we are a leading school district.

For me, the one essential question that always remains the same when making decisions for the schools is: What is in students’ best interests? This question will ground each decision that I make as a member of the School Committee.

I am committed to open communication and transparency whether in my chosen profession as a certified public accountant, an employer, a friend, parent, spouse, coach, or town committee member. I believe that is the only way to build and maintain trust among people. In addition, I am a diligent researcher who believes in learning from neighboring communities before making decisions.

Even before having children, my wife Jen (who is an elementary public school teacher in Sherborn) and I moved to Wayland because of the outstanding reputation of the Wayland school system. That was 13 years ago. We now have three young boys just starting school at the elementary level. Coaching our children’s teams and helping at their schools is an important part of our lives. Our family is excited about becoming even more a part of the team that provides a quality curricular program for all of Wayland’s children at a realistic cost to taxpayers.

Please pass this message along to others that you know and I ask that you cast your vote for me, Christopher Ryan, for School Committee and do it on or before Tuesday, June 9 to help ensure that our children get the education they deserve.

All my best and thank you,

Chris Ryan
45 Rice Spring Lane
Wayland, MA 01778

February 4, 2020

Dear Wayland Residents,

I am excited to announce my campaign for a seat on Wayland’s School Committee. I would like to share a little bit about myself and the important role this community plays in my life. My wife, Jen, and I chose Wayland as the community to raise our family because earlier in her career as an educator she attended the Wayland Literacy Institutes and was impressed with the educational philosophies shared and the engagement of Wayland’s educators. My wife and I prioritize public education as one of our most strongly held values. Our three boys are just starting their careers as students in Wayland, and we are excited about working as a team with the school to support our children as they grow to young adults over the next 12 years. In turn, I feel equally passionate about supporting all of our children as a member of the school committee.

I strongly believe in the values of transparency and communication in all relationships. As a town committee member, a spouse, a parent, a friend, a coach, and an employer, transparency and communication are what maintains trust. I promise to deliver these ideals to all members of the Wayland community when I serve the community as a school committee member.

I understand when teachers are supported, they are inspired to do their best. It is essential that teachers trust that they are supported in the challenge of meeting the needs of all children; their needs as students, artists, athletes, and individuals. I sympathize with the challenges that educators face and value support of our teachers and school leaders. As an elementary school teacher and ELA coordinator for Sherborn Public Schools for over 15 years, my wife shares with me the challenges facing public education. Though the field of education is ever changing, one essential question always remains the same when making educational decisions: What is in students’ best interests? I believe that it is this question that must ground each decision made by those who hold leadership positions within our school system.

As a certified public accountant, owner of a local accounting firm, and a member of Wayland’s audit committee, I have an acute understanding of how to make the most of the limited resources we have. One important responsibility of the school committee is to discuss and approve the school’s annual budget which is enhanced by an analysis and understanding of the town’s finances. I bring the ability to be fiscally conservative while finding efficiencies that maximize student and educator benefit.

I will work tirelessly and collaboratively for Wayland schools and our community. I deeply value education. My values and my skills will help our community. Let’s work together.

Please share this message and take a few minutes to vote on March 31 st to help me serve our community.

All the best,
Chris Ryan