After 20 years of being involved with Wareham schools as a parent, Joyce Bacchiocchi decided to seek a seat on the School Committee this year in the April 4 town election.

“I’ve always been interested in the schools,” said Bacchiocchi. “I think it’s important that parents have a voice on the committee. With my experiences over the past 20 years, I feel I’m qualified to be that voice.”

Bacchiocchi, her three children and husband are all Wareham High School graduates. Of her three kids, two are attending college now and one has graduated.

While Bacchiocchi’s kids were in Wareham schools she was heavily involved with the Parent Teacher Association, served on the School Committee’s policy review committee for a number of years and various school councils.

Today, she still volunteers her time with the Wareham High School Athletic Booster Club and the DECA Boosters Club.

Bacchiocchi’s Wareham ties run deep, having worked at Roby’s Propane Gas Inc. for the past 30 years. Currently, she is the company’s comptroller, overseeing its financial management.

Bacchiocchi said it’s important the committee ensures that the schools are supported financially. At the moment, town and school officials are debating just how much to fund the schools in light of fiscal constraints.

“It’s important for me to be an advocate for our students and teachers,” she said. “And, respectfully, try to get as much as we can for the students. I’m not sure people realize what a big issue that is right now.”