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Wakefield alumni propose districtwide alumni directory; committee hears pitch and questions
Summary
Students and a Wakefield Memorial High School librarian proposed a Wakefield Public Schools alumni network to reconnect graduates, offer mentorship and internships, and support students; presenters asked the committee to endorse planning and collaboration, and committee members asked about funding, data collection and staffing.
Diana Ho, Wakefield Memorial High School librarian and media specialist, and alumna Katie Pat laid out a plan Wednesday for a district-run Wakefield Public Schools alumni network aimed at reconnecting graduates and creating mentorship, internship and fundraising channels.
The presenters said the proposal would begin with low-cost steps — a LinkedIn account and senior exit interviews to gather contact information — then move in phases to a searchable alumni directory, regional meetups, and eventually a staffed alumni relations function and an online portal that could host job boards and donations.
"My name is Katie Pat. I'm a proud Wakefield Memorial High School alumni and class of 2022, and I m currently a junior at the Catholic University of America studying sales and marketing," Pat told the school committee. Diana Ho described five objectives for the initiative: reconnection, facilitation of mentorship, enhanced school–community ties, preservation of WMHS history, and strategic supports for students, including alumni-funded scholarships.
Committee members praised the idea but pressed for details on cost, staffing and data privacy. Committee member Pete asked whether the district would build custom software or leverage existing tools; presenters said many features can be built with off‑the‑shelf platforms but that a dedicated alumni portal would likely come later. Committee members also asked how the district would compensate staff time; presenters said early work could rely on volunteers and student helpers but that long‑term success would likely require a stipend or salaried position funded by fundraising or gifts.
Presenters outlined a four‑phase implementation plan (foundational data collection, engagement and communications, program development and staffing, and technological expansion). They proposed immediate next steps for 2025–26: a Wakefield Memorial LinkedIn account, structured senior exit interviews, guidance support for student professional accounts, and a soft‑launch young alumni career and college fair.
School committee members generally supported the concept and asked presenters to return with a follow‑up plan that included clearer cost estimates and a timeline. No formal vote to endorse the initiative was recorded at the meeting.
The committee did not take formal action on the proposal Wednesday but invited the presenters to continue planning with administration and to return with additional details and cost estimates.
Looking ahead, the presenters asked for a planning meeting and committee endorsement to move from concept to a small pilot and shared data collection during 2025–26.
