About the Bower family
STRONG SCHOOLS, BRIGHT FUTURES
David is running for Wellesley School Committee in the 2025 Wellesley Town Election seeking to advance Wellesley Public School’s legacy of academic excellence. He brings diverse non-profit experience in education, paired with real world perspective from his corporate career in advocating for patient access to medication. David believes in constant pursuit of academic excellence, advancing with an ever changing world. He also recognizes and embraces the central importance of fiscal responsibility and planning. Additionally, David understands the role of representing his community perspectives to become the collective voice. Lastly, his advocacy will equally represent grades pre-K through high school, though he believes there is a need to bolster early education.
Background
David and his family have lived in Wellesley since 2018. David has demonstrated a long-time commitment to supporting academic excellence and seeks to leverage that experience by joining the Wellesley School Committee. Professionally, David works at for a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer where he develops strategy and advocates on behalf of patients to payers for access to medication. David has volunteered in education outreach since 2004. He founded and led for more than fifteen years the educational non-profit organization Virtu, Inc. that provides enhanced academic opportunities to underserved communities. Within the Wellesley community, David is a current member of the Fiske School Council and has been a volunteer boys soccer coach with Wellesley United for four seasons. He earned an MBA with a concentration in Finance from the Kelley School of Business and BS in Biology, with honors, from Indiana University – Bloomington. David is originally from West Lafayette, Indiana and grew up in the state’s consistently top-ranked West Lafayette Public School’s system.
Bower Family
David’s wife, Nezha, is from Casablanca, Morocco. She has spent over twenty years leading Finance and Accounting for an international management consulting firm. Nezha is a Fiske class parent and serves on the W.C.C.C. advisory board. She is passionate about financial literacy and early childhood development. David and Nezha's son Zane (6 yo) is a first grader at Fiske Elementary and their daughter Zoe (4 yo) is in pre-K at P.A.W.S. They have two rescue dogs named Chemsy (14yo) & Beau (1yo). The family loves to travel and share new experiences and cultures with their children, as well as expose their kids to sports and the outdoors.
Foundational Beliefs
- Fostering Academic Excellence: Investing in advanced coursework, STEM opportunities, and robust arts programs to prepare students for future success
- Promoting Mental Health and Wellness: Providing access to counselors, wellness programs, and supportive environments to help students thrive
- Embracing Diversity: Ensuring fair access to opportunities and fostering a culture where every student feels valued and supported
- Enhancing Technology and Innovation: Integrating digital literacy, personalized learning platforms, and social-emotional learning to prepare students for an evolving world
- Supporting Teachers and Staff: Advocating for competitive salaries, professional development, and a thriving school culture to retain top educators
- Ensuring Responsible Stewardship of Resources: Balancing long-term planning with transparent financial management to maximize resources for all students
- Modernizing Infrastructure and Facilities: Creating safe, adaptable, and inspiring learning environments to meet the needs of today and tomorrow
David's Core Academic Principles
Fostering Academic Excellence
Schools must prioritize rigorous academic standards to prepare students for success in college and future careers. This includes investing in advanced coursework such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, expanding STEM opportunities, and supporting robust arts and extracurricular programs. By focusing on innovation and excellence, schools can equip students with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Promoting Mental Health and Wellness
Academic pressures, social challenges, and personal stressors can significantly affect students’ mental health. Addressing these issues requires providing access to counselors, implementing wellness programs, and creating supportive school environments. Initiatives that teach stress management, encourage mindfulness, and help students balance academic and personal demands are essential for their overall well-being.
Embracing Diversity
Diversity and equity are fundamental to creating a thriving school community. Schools must address inequities, ensure fair access to opportunities, and foster an inclusive culture that values all backgrounds. By prioritizing professional training, equitable program access, and open dialogue, schools can cultivate an environment where every student feels seen, respected, and supported.
Enhancing Technology and Innovation
As technology transforms the way we live and learn, schools must integrate digital literacy and innovative tools into the classroom. By investing in personalized learning platforms, preparing students for careers in technology-driven fields, and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures, schools can empower students to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
Supporting Teachers and Staff
Dedicated and talented educators are the foundation of strong schools. Retaining top teachers and staff requires competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive school culture. Advocating for teacher support and creating an environment where educators thrive is essential to maintaining high-quality education for all students.
Prioritizing Social-Emotional Learning
Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps students develop critical skills to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL programs reduce bullying, address social challenges, and help students navigate the pressures of modern life, including the influence of social media. By integrating SEL into daily learning, schools can ensure students are academically prepared and emotionally resilient.
Ensuring Responsible Stewardship of Resources
Effective financial management is vital to maintaining sustainable and equitable schools. Schools must balance long-term planning with responsible resource allocation to ensure all students benefit. Transparency and thoughtful financial stewardship are critical to building community trust and maximizing the impact of available funding.
Modernizing Infrastructure and Facilities
Safe, adaptable, and inspiring learning environments are essential for student success. Modernizing school facilities to include flexible learning spaces, green building practices, and updated safety measures supports both current needs and future growth. Investing in infrastructure ensures schools remain welcoming and equipped for the demands of modern education.
