Letter to the editor: Illana Nissenbaum announces candidacy for School Committee

To the editor and Wellesley voters,

I am Illana Nissenbaum, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for the Wellesley School Committee. My husband, Neil, and I have proudly called Wellesley home since 2006, raising our three children here. From their early years at Temple Beth Elohim (TBE) and Schofield Elementary, to their current experiences at the middle and high school levels, they’ve benefited from an education that not only prioritizes academic success but also nurtures their social and emotional well-being. Our schools offer incredible opportunities and truly form the heart of what makes Wellesley such a special place to live and raise a family.

Both my personal and professional experiences have led me to this moment. I am a lifelong educator and community volunteer. I earned my K-6 teaching credentials at Clark University and continued my master’s studies in Educational Leadership at Simmons College. I was a teacher in public and private schools for over a decade. You may know me from my work as a Town Meeting Member, co-president of the Wellesley Education Foundation (WEF), Hebrew school teacher at TBE, and of course, as a mom who steps in whenever the PTO asks! This new role on the Wellesley School Committee is an opportunity for me to harness my leadership and communication skills, broaden my reach, and make a greater impact.

Wellesley has everything it needs to be a top-tier school district: strong educators, a data-driven approach, well-funded schools, and passionate families. It is one of the main reasons that people move here. As a parent, I’ve been consistently impressed by the dedication of our educators. Time and again, I’ve seen teachers go above and beyond, providing the individualized support and attention that makes a profound difference in a child’s learning journey.

Working closely with the community, I have come to understand the concerns and frustrations many families face—they feel overlooked and unheard. Many seek a stronger connection with our schools. While data collection, newsletters, and emails are valuable tools, meaningful change happens through face-to-face conversations. I envision a true partnership—one that fosters understanding and empathy in an inclusive environment where every parent, teacher, and resident feels valued and heard.

I have always been guided by compassion and a strong sense of shared responsibility, stepping up in times of need. For example, in 2022, when the opportunity arose, I volunteered to assist a Ukrainian mother and her two children seeking refuge in our community. I coordinated the school enrollment, English tutors, and more. What began as logistical support, soon developed into a deep friendship. The only language we shared was one from mother to mother. This experience showed me that with mutual understanding, we can face even the most daunting challenges. With compassion, we can create a more inclusive and supportive educational community.

This collaborative spirit is what makes Wellesley thrive, not just in our schools, but throughout our town. One of my favorite things to do is to spend time walking the trails at Centennial Reservation with our dog, Ember—where I reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and appreciate the natural beauty that makes our town so special. Truly, it’s the people (and pets!) who make Wellesley feel like home. I hope to meet more of you on the trails or in the classroom.

I look forward to meeting you and hearing from you. Please reach out anytime at Illana.Nissenbaum@gmail.com. Together, we can build on Wellesley’s tradition of excellence. We already have the essential elements for a truly exceptional education system. By strengthening the bond between community and school, we will empower our schools to reach their full potential.

I’m honored, eager, and ready to serve.

For more information, please visit my website at https://illanaforschoolcommittee.com/

Sincerely,

Illana S. Nissenbaum
Wellesley candidate for School Committee