This information was submitted to the LongmeadowBuzz blog by Gregory C. Macdonald, III who is a candidate for the 2 year seat on the Longmeadow School Committee.
Gregory C. Macdonald, III
School Committee Candidate
Why are you running for School Committee?
As a third generation Longmeadow resident and a proud graduate of the Longmeadow Public Schools- Class of 2019- I’ve experienced firsthand the power of our educational system. Our town’s commitment to excellence in education is something I’ve lived- not just heard about. It’s part of who I am.
I’m running for School Committee to bring a voice that’s currently missing: the perspective of a recent student who understands what it’s like to be on the other side of the policies we create. Our current committee is composed of incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable individuals, with expertise in education, finance, and governance. Many are parents and have deep roots in the school system.
What I bring is a bridge- from policy to student experience. I’ve lived the outcomes of our decisions. I know how it feels to navigate the classroom, the college process, and the broader challenges today’s students face. That perspective matters.
Our schools do many things very well. Programs like the Vision of the Graduate are inspiring examples of how we’re preparing students for real-world success- teaching critical thinking, collaboration, and accountability. I want to build on that momentum by further integrating wellness, leadership, and life skills into everyday learning. Not just because I believe in it, but because I’ve seen how powerful those tools are when done right.
I’m also focused on how we can better align our resources with student needs. With ongoing formative assessments, we have a clear opportunity to target our investments- whether it’s in academic support, extra- curriculars, or emerging technologies. We owe it to our students, and our taxpayers, to make sure every dollar is working for the their future.
I’m not running to replace experience- I’m running to complement it. I believe we can continue to honor our schools’ strengths while enhancing them by incorporating student-led feedback, highlighting the mentorship opportunities, and supporting personalized learning pathways that meet students where they are.
I deeply support the great work already happening in our schools and want to help build on it- by bringing a voice that connects the classroom experience to the policy table. With the right vision, collaboration, and heart, we can ensure every student feels seen, supported, and set up for success- however they define it.
What are your qualifications and skills including relevant experience?
While I don’t have formal municipal experience, I bring a different kind of experience recent, firsthand knowledge of what it means to be a student in Longmeadow public schools. I’ve lived the outcomes of our School Committee’s decisions. I’ve seen what works, where students feel supported, and where there’s room to grow- from the inside. That student-centered perspective is something we currently don’t have on the committee, and I believe it’s essential.
In addition to my lived experience, I bring strong communication and collaboration skills, a deep respect for teamwork, and the ability to listen with intention. I’ve been actively engaged in my community in informal ways- talking to families, peers, educators, and students about what matters most to them. I’m a fast learner and someone who takes responsibility seriously.
Most of all, I care deeply about our schools. I’m not here to claim I know everything- I’m here to contribute honesty, ask thoughtful questions, and bring a valuable perspective to the table that’s currently missing.
What are the largest issues facing Longmeadow as a community?
One of the largest challenges Longmeadow faces is ensuring our schools evolve to meet the needs of today’s students while preserving the high standards our town values. Student mental health is a major concern- many students are dealing with stress, anxiety, and the lasting effects of the pandemic. We need to continue building the bridge between our students and our well-funded support systems, like counseling services and social-emotional learning, to meet students where they are.
Another issue is ensuring our schools are preparing students for more than just tests- we should be focusing on real-world readiness. Programs like Vision of the Graduate are a great start, and we can build on them by expanding access to STEM, career exploration, and leadership development. We also need to listen to students more- the more we integrate student voice, the more responsive and relevant our schools become.
Lastly, the condition of our school buildings is an important issue. Students and teachers need safe, functional, and inspiring learning environments. Addressing these needs with transparency and community input will be key.
At the core of these challenges is a simple question: Are we creating a school system where every student feels seen, supported, and set up for success? That’s the lens I’ll bring to the table.
How would you propose to resolve these issues?
I believe good policy starts with good listening. First, we need to hear from students and educators- directly- about what’s working and where support is needed. From there, I’d advocate for targeted investments based on real-time student data and formative assessments. That means putting our resources into areas where they’ll have the biggest impact: mental health, academic support, extracurriculars, and student services.
To support mental wellness, we can continue to notify students of their abundant access to counseling, peer support programs, and classroom practices that support emotional health. For academics, I’d like to see us grow and foster opportunities for hands-on learning- whether it’s through STEM labs, career pathways, or mentoring programs that connect students with professionals in the community.
And when it comes to school facilities, I would support a transparent, community-driven conversation about building maintenance and improvement policies, always with student learning and safety as the focus.
Most of all, I want to make sure students feel like they have a seat at the table- that their experiences help shape the decisions we make. That’s the kind of leadership I want to bring.
Please vote for me on June 3, 2025.
Gregory C. Macdonald, III
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