The election is open from Friday April 11th to Thursday April 17th at noon. Please vote for up three School Council parent/guardian representatives.
The Newton North School Council works with and advises the Principal on budget, school improvement plans, and other issues of general interest. Parent/guardian members are expected to attend a monthly one-and-a half-hour meeting. The term of office is three years. For a full description of School Council purpose and guidelines click here.
There are currently three openings for School Council (2 candidates will serve as full council members and 1 will serve as an alternate). There are 5 candidates for you to vote for.
All of the candidates submitted brief statements describing their interest and experience (below). Please read the candidate statements and then click on the “Click to Vote” button AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. Please vote for no more than three candidates.
The two candidates receiving the most votes will serve as full members of the School Council while the candidate with the next highest total will be appointed an alternate member. To ensure a valid vote, you will be asked for your name, email address, name of student, and grade level when you vote. This information will NOT be made available to any of the candidates and will be deleted after the tallies have been completed.
Candidates: (Listed alphabetically by last name)
Ariella Evenzahav
My name is Ariella Evenzahav and I am interested in joining the NNHS School Council next year. My sons, Max and Ezra Zahav-Stone are incoming NNHS freshmen; they attended Horace Mann and will be graduating from FA Day in June.
I have been a parent representative on the FA Day School Council since September 2024. In addition to being an engaged and active participant throughout, one of my more tangible contributions has been leading a project to collect student feedback on advisory through a teen-friendly survey, analyze the data, and help use the insights to update parts of the Day School Improvement Plan. My professional background has led me to develop strong skills in both strategy and analysis, and my advanced education in the sciences helps bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. I believe that I have been a valuable contributor to the Day Council because of my commitment as well as my areas of expertise and experience, and hope to be able to continue contributing towards our youth’s education, which I deeply care about, by serving on the NNHS Council. Thanks!
Jeanne Jiang
My name is Jeanne Jiang. I am eager to contribute to the continued growth and success of Newton North High School (NNHS) through active participation on the School Council.
My son Ethan, currently in 9th grade at NNHS (2024-2028), previously attended Bigelow Middle School, Ward Elementary School, and Mount Alvernia Academy. My daughter Anna, currently in 8th grade at Bigelow Middle School, previously attended Ward Elementary School and Mount Alvernia Academy. She will join NNHS this Fall (2025-2029).
I am currently an executive in the healthcare industry and hold graduate degrees from Yale and Harvard, as well as EMBA from MIT this May. I bring nearly two decades of experience in data-driven decision making, project management, process improvement, and budget oversight. These skills are directly relevant to supporting the development and implementation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP). As a parent, I deeply value education, student well-being, and preparing our youth for a changing world. I believe in caring leadership and thoughtful planning, and I bring curiosity, humility, and a strong commitment to our community.
I would be honored to serve on the School Council and to collaborate with the principal on the SIP. Thank you for your consideration!
Albert Olszewski
I’m Albert Olszewski, father of 9th grade twins, Morgan and Dean, who attended Day Middle and Burr Elementary. My wife Tamika and I chose Newton when our twins were toddlers for the great school district.
I have served the past year as an alternate on the School Council and it has allowed me to assist the school that has provided my children such great opportunities. As a materials science engineer, analytical, creative thinking and collaboration are necessary skills. As a board member of a few local organizations (Newton Girls Basketball, GELF (nonprofit providing financial assistance for high schoolers studying aboard) and Newton Youth Success Collaborative (nonprofit providing early career exploration to middle and high schoolers with I’m Amazing program), I have learned a great deal and want to continue nurturing and developing potential in Newton youth.
This past year at North has been enlightening in how the school works and I want to continue on the school council to ensure parents are able to provide critical and actionable feedback to the principal. In addition, I want to continue providing the great opportunities that North gives the community by working with the PTSO and school leaders. Thanks for your support.
Dan Twohig
My name is Dan Twohig and I am interested in joining the Newton North School Council because I want to contribute to the school in a meaningful way. My daughter Aine is a freshman at North, and my son Fionn will be attending in four years, meaning I will have a vested interest in the school for the next eight years. I want to be involved in shaping its future.
My background is in data analytics, with over 20 years of experience helping organizations make informed, strategic decisions. I’ve worked across multiple industries, analyzing complex challenges and determining the best path forward. In addition, I have been both a high school and college educator, and that experience has given me an understanding of the challenges teachers face and the support they need to be effective.
As the council works on key projects—such as replacing the Pool Air Handling Unit and, in the coming years, the roof—I believe my ability to assess data, evaluate options, and think strategically would be valuable. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute my skills and perspective to help ensure Newton North continues to thrive.
Andrew Welch
My wife Sarah and I moved to Newton 20 years ago to be closer to family and, perhaps not surprisingly, the excellent schools were a major factor in our decision. Now, with two kids in high school, we couldn’t be happier to be here.
Our 9th grader, Charlie, is enjoying a wonderful first year at North after attending Bowen and Day and our 12th grader, Lawson, will graduate from South later this spring. I’ve spent much of my career in healthcare and non-profit consulting, developing, prioritizing, and implementing strategic initiatives across a variety of organizations. Closer to home, I served on the board of the Bowen After School Care Program for eight years.
As a parent of both a Tiger and a Lion, I’m thankful to NPS for the incredible support teachers, coaches, counselors, and administrators have provided to our kids over the past 13 years.
Recognizing their tireless work, I am seeking a position on the North School Council to help school leadership ensure that current students and teachers are set up meet district, school, and personal goals and ensure that NNHS is ready to provide unparalleled opportunities to the next generation of Newton’s students.
