Three Run for Seekonk School Committee

There are three candidates running for two open seats on the Seekonk School Committee. Incumbent Emily Field faces challengers Bob Gerardi and Michael Novinson. Profiles are below.

Emily Field was elected to the School Committee in 2022 and wants to continue to address the challenges facing the district.

Field, 43, graduated with a Bachelors degree from Salve Regina University. She is employed as a photographer and is raising a daughter.

“One of my strongest qualities is my open-mindedness and willingness to listen to different perspectives before making a decision,” Field said. “My focus is always on what is best for Seekonk students, not just what benefits me or my family. Being a lifelong Seekonk resident gives me a deep understanding of where the town has been, where it is going, and what has worked in the past.”

Field understands the challenges some students face.

“As someone diagnosed with Dyslexia, ADHD, and Auditory Processing Disorder, I know firsthand the importance of advocating for every child, regardless of their abilities.”

Field said addressing space concerns in the schools is a priority.

“I was strongly (opposed to) moving 5th graders to the middle school and 8th graders to the high school, as I do not believe this benefits Seekonk students academically or socially. While overcrowding is a real issue, we need to explore all available options before making decisions that could have long-term consequences.”

Field loves the closeness of the community.

“That sense of connection is something special, and it’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about making Seekonk schools the best they can be. Our schools are strong, and our town has so much to offer—I want to help ensure that continues for future generations.”

Michael Novinson believes his experience as a Business Reporter will be beneficial to the school committee.

Novinson, 36, is married and has two children. He attended Haverford College in Pennsylvania, where he majored in Political Science with a minor in Education.

High class sizes at the elementary level are a concern, as well as the failing heating system at Hurley Middle School. Enrollment numbers at Seekonk High School have been declining.

“There are some long term challenges. As a school committee member, I would look at the infrastructure and space challenges at each of the buildings. In terms of the day to day responsibility: budget, policy, superintendent evaluation, I feel my day job lines up well with those as a business reporter. I’m reviewing financial statements and balance sheets on a daily basis and asking tough questions of executives. I think I’d really be able to step in on day one and make an impact.”

Novinson has always had a love of education. In his senior year of college, he spent time embedded with an ELA history teacher in a high school. The experience was rewarding.

“If I weren’t a reporter, I think teaching would’ve been at the top of my list. It’s something I’ve always had an interest in even if it’s not something I’m doing professionally.”

Bob Gerardi boasts a wealth of experience in education, having served as a teacher and then as a School Superintendent in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Gerardi, 62, attended Rhode Island College, Providence College, and Boston College. He holds a Masters degree and a Ph.D in Educational Administration.

“I come from a family of educators. There are six of us with over 200 years of experience in 11 different states, from Maine to Hawaii and Wisconsin to Texas. Education is important to me.”

Gerardi was an Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum in North Providence and was Finance Director at Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Lexington, MA.

Helping the school department is something Gerardi views as community service.

“I moved to Seekonk because of the reputation of the schools and I wanted my children to be in those schools. I look at it from the perspective of being a parent. I understand the needs of educators and I appreciate educators.”

Gerardi notes he has always been “fiscally prudent in the way I live my life and the way I run my schools.”

Gerardi hopes to improve communication if he is elected to the school committee.

“I want to make sure the children have the best possible education they can have and it was that very important to me that they had quality programs and quality staff that really helped my children all find their way in life, their career pathway.”