Winchester Literacy Initiative for Change

The Wi******er Literacy Initiative for Change proudly endorses Heather von Mering for Wi******er School Committee!

For years, Heather has been a driving force in the effort to strengthen literacy instruction in Wi******er Public Schools. As a member of WLIC’s leadership team, she has worked with parents and community members to push for a consistent, high-quality, evidence-based literacy curriculum in every elementary classroom.

Before WLIC formed, Heather helped lead a group of parents under the name United for Literacy that raised concerns about the Lucy Calkins curriculum, inadequate screening and intervention, and the need for stronger support for students with dyslexia and other disabilities. She spoke at School Committee meetings, met with district leaders and state policymakers, and brought broader attention to the issue through media and community engagement.

That advocacy is now producing real results. This year, WPS is piloting two literacy programs, with full implementation planned for the 2026–2027 school year if the override passes. The district has also committed to strengthening tiered supports for students.

Heather supports the override and the resources needed to see this work through. She has been deeply involved in these efforts and understands what it will take to make them succeed. Through years of civic leadership—including service as Town Moderator and chair of the Planning Board—she has developed a strong understanding of how Wi******er works and how to move complex initiatives forward. That experience will be invaluable as the district implements the new curriculum and tackles other big priorities, including rebuilding Muraco.

Heather von Mering has shown the leadership, persistence, and ability to bring people together that our schools need right now. We urge you to vote for her on March 21—and to vote YES for the override.

If you would like to learn more about Heather or how to support her campaign, please go to https://vonmeringforwinchester.com

A Select Board meeting is scheduled for tonight at 7:30pm at Town Hall where the School Committee will present their override request. We encourage everyone to attend and/or voice their support during public comment, as this is vital to funding evidence-based literacy and other programs in our schools!

📣 Breaking news: the House has passed an evidence-based literacy bill, a significant achievement at the state level, announced today.

MassInsider The Massachusetts House of Representatives today passed three education bills that seek to improve reading outcomes among elementary school students, educate middle- and high-school students on personal financial literacy, and to update the criteria for awarding a Seal of Biliteracy for bilingual gr...

Please attend to show your support for the school budget!

📣Town Meeting📣
630PM TODAY, 5/5 High School Aud

We are proud to endorse Stefanie Mnayarji for School Committee!

https://www.stefanieforschools.org/

Please sign up for her mailing list to stay informed: https://stats.sender.net/forms/bkE9ve/view?utm_campaign=Action+Needed+This+Week&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter

📣Help continue to make our voices heard! 📣

A few important updates:

- Thursday, January 16 at 6:30pm: Join the remote school committee meeting to share your thoughts during public comment and listen in on the discussion. Log in here: https://www.winchester.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01162025-6069

- The Assistant Superintendent's contract renewal is approaching (January 30 notice date), and the School Committee and Superintendent will be discussing it in an Executive Session. This is a crucial moment to advocate for positive change and accountability, building on the momentum from last year's Literacy Study Report results.

Let's continue to push for excellence in our schools! Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the upcoming School Committee election cycle!

www.winchester.us