Meet Jessica Parks

Hi! I am Jessica Parks, a working mom with a 9-year-old at Missituk Elementary, a wife, a project manager, and a Medford resident for over 14 years, who has always been actively involved in the community. 

Background

Currently, I am a project manager in Campus Construction at MIT, with a focus on energy efficiency projects. I earned my undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, Politics, and Architecture, culminating in the creation of a sustainably designed middle school for my final project. I also hold a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, am a LEED Accredited Professional, and have extensive experience as a planner and sustainability consultant in both the private and public sectors.

Community Involvement

  • As a co-creator and member of the MPS After-School Task Force, we adopted a strategic and proactive approach to addressing the problem by developing case studies from other communities, analyzing real data, and engaging partners to demonstrate a way forward for expanding existing school-based services over the next two years.

  • Member of the search committee for the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction.

  • Active Missituk PTO Volunteer for many activities, including: Fun Days, Dance Parties, Movie Nights, Ice Cream Socials, Field Trips, Teacher Appreciation Month, and more.

  • Classroom Rep supporting teachers and serving as a liaison between teachers and parents.

  • Grassroots volunteer supporting the creation of non-profit student arts organizations in Medford, which will work to support all the arts at MPS.

  • Lead volunteer with the Invest in Medford Campaign, contributing to outreach, community engagement, research, and communications.

  • Created a jazz shoe lending library for Spotlight Productions to reduce the annual cost burden on students with rapidly growing feet.

  • Mayor-appointed member of the Medford Energy and Environment Committee, working to promote energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental conservation. 

  • Electric Coach for the City’s Electrify Medford Program - Sign up to learn how you can save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon emissions.

How My Journey to the School Committee Began…

As an urban planner, I have always been an engaged community member and taught my son to do the same; however, my journey here began about a year ago when Missituk Elementary was about to lose six teachers. It was my brave son, Simon, who surprised me by speaking up at a meeting to support his teachers. Inspired by my son, I took action in my own way by analyzing data, writing letters, mobilizing with others, and drafting a petition that collected over 500 signatures. While the petition’s primary goal was to preserve the positions, we also sought open and honest communication because, at the time, we did not feel that our voices (as caregivers, teachers, and students) were being heard or that our questions were being answered. 

This experience, along with the budget realities I observed, led me to participate in the Override campaign, where I eagerly took on tasks such as creating FAQs and canvassing door-to-door. Meeting many residents during weekend canvassing provided me with wonderful insights into our schools—some positive, while others offered opportunities for improvement. One such opportunity is after-school, where I have collaborated with others to develop an After-School Task Force aimed at increasing openings over the next two years. 

Both these experiences and the stories shared by friends and teachers across the district, which primarily focus on the unique learning challenges faced by individual students and the lack of consistent resources to address them, have significantly influenced my campaign platform. My motivation stems from a desire to roll up my sleeves and work collaboratively toward schools where everyone feels supported and heard, and from wanting to show my son that I, too, can be brave and stand up for what I believe in – something that feels especially vital today.

As an introvert, I am a good listener. As a project manager, I plan for positive change while accounting for uncertainty. Therefore, one of my greatest strengths is strategic thinking and identifying effective solutions, which involves approaching any issue from multiple angles, analyzing data, and giving people the chance to be heard, thereby creating the best possible outcome.

Please vote for me on November 4, 2025, for the Medford School Committee, where I will champion the needs of our students, families, caregivers, and educators, ensuring that every voice is valued and heard.

Your input is essential! Please contact me at any time to talk, or if you would like me to speak to a group you are involved with.

Thank You,