Paula Wood

My name is Paula Wood, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for Board of Education. My husband Josh, our two sons, and I made Pelham our home more than 13 years ago. While shepherding the boys through their childhood and adolescence, I’ve had the privilege to get to know many other parents, teachers and administrators. I’m thrilled to be part of this wonderful community as we return to lives full of activity and connection. I believe the near-term challenges will bring a period of recovery and realignment for our schools. I am optimistic about the future and as a newly-elected BOE member, I will dedicate my skills as a creative collaborator and solutions-oriented innovator to serve the community I love. 

I grew up in this area and graduated from New Rochelle High School, then attended Bates College and Maine College of Art and Design. Early in my career I worked part-time as an enrichment teacher throughout the five boroughs of New York City, bringing arts-based STEM education to elementary and early childhood classrooms impacted by 9/11. From that experience, I decided to focus my career on educational organizations, eventually taking a position at Bank Street College, a leader in student-directed, early childhood and K-12 education. As Web Producer for this wide-ranging, yet close-knit community of educators, I became well versed in education and my commitment to public education is unwavering.

A year after settling in Pelham, I made the difficult choice to leave my position at Bank Street to be the primary caregiver for my sons. This allowed me to invest my time and skills in our new community. I served on Site-Based Council and the PTA board at Hutchinson and I coordinated the enrichment program, the largest in the district. I have also served on several BOE committees throughout my twelve years in the district: Community Engagement, Maker Space, and Authentic Learning. I look forward to seeing our older son graduate from PMHS in 2023, while our younger son will continue at The Masters School. You can read more about me at paulawoodforpelhamschools.com.

Community Leadership Roles: Hutchinson Site-Based Council; PTA Board – Hutchinson; Concordia Conservatory Advisory Board Member; Citizens Nominating Committee member; Hutchinson Enrichment Coordinator; BOE Committee Member (Advocacy & Engagement, Maker Space, Authentic Learning); Progressive Women of Pelham Executive Board Member; Pelham Music Festival Board Member (current) and Pelham Art Center Board Member (current).