Meet School Committee candidate Nancy Cederholm

Newcomer Nancy Cederholm, a recently retired Wareham Public Schools employee, is seeking a seat on the School Committee, citing decades of experience in education and community involvement.

A longtime Wareham resident, Cederholm retired in February after more than 29 years working in elementary schools in the district as a Special Education Administrative Assistant. She has lived in town since 1968 and raised two children who attended Wareham schools from kindergarten through high school.

Her recent retirement has led her to do something she said she's "always wanted" to do: run for School Committee. 

“I believe the schools have a lot of potential,” Cederholm said.

Her involvement in Wareham schools extends beyond her professional roles. She participated in parent groups from elementary school through high school, served on a School Committee policy review subcommittee for five years and contributed to community efforts tied to school projects and student activities.

If elected, she said she would push to support more decision-making within the district. She said her experience working inside the district provides insight into how decisions affect staff and students.

“I think there needs to be accountability,” Cederholm said. “I think transparency and ethical decision-making are very important.”

At the same time, she emphasized the importance of balancing perspectives when serving on the School Committee. She said she has not hesitated to speak to current Superintendent Matt D'Andrea on the present issues within the district.

"I've told him you can't run the district like a private sector," she said.

And Cederholm would know about private sectors. Before joining the school system, she spent more than 27 years in accounting, purchasing and management roles. She said her background, combined with her time as a school employee and parent, gives her a broad perspective. 

“I can see things from the parent side, the employee side and the taxpayer side,” Cederholm said.

Despite concerns about the committee, she praised the district’s educators and staff. Highlighting the work special education workers do within the schools, she said teachers don't get the recognition they deserve. 

“We have great teachers,” Cederholm said. “They put in 100% or more.”

Outside of her professional life, Cederholm spends time with her grandchildren, travels frequently to visit family and remains active in local community organizations. She is a member of the Wampanoag Council #15 of the Degree of Pocahontas and the Wareham–New Bedford Lodge of Elks #73.

“I’m hoping to represent the constituents very well,” Cederholm said.