Representative Kelly Pease Named to Early Education and Care Workforce Council

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Kelly W. Pease (R-Westfield) to the Early Education and Care (EEC) Workforce Council.

Created through an outside section of the Fiscal Year 2019 state budget (Chapter 154 of the Acts of 2018), the EEC Workforce Council is tasked with making recommendations for “improving and enhancing professional development and higher education opportunities necessary for the growth and stability of a high quality early education and care workforce” in Massachusetts.

“As a member of the Joint Committees on Education and Higher Education, Kelly understands the importance of maintaining a highly trained and qualified early education workforce,” said Representative Jones. “In his new role as a member of the EEC Workforce Council, I am confident he will do everything he can to ensure that those working in the early education field have access to the programs and professional development training they need to have a successful career.”

The Commissioner of Early Education and Care is required to consult with the EEC Workforce Council to ensure that the professional development and higher education opportunities offered to early educators “focuses on the unique needs and challenges of providing career advancement and support” for individuals working in this field. The EEC Workforce Council is also empowered to review and provide input on any pending rules or regulations being promulgated by the Board of Early Education and Care, and to offer recommendations to the Board “for changes and improvements in early education and care professional development, training and career support.”

In addition to serving as the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Higher Education and as a member of the Joint Committee on Education, Pease is also a member of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and the House and Joint Committees on Ways and Means. Currently serving his second term in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, he represents the 4^th Hampden District, which includes the town of Southampton and portions of the city of Westfield.

Representative Kim Ferguson Named to State Advisory Council on Early Education and Care

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Kimberly N. Ferguson (R-Holden) to the State Advisory Council onEarly Education and Care (EEC).

As a member of the Advisory Council, Representative Ferguson and her colleagues will work with EEC Commissioner Amy Kershaw to develop a five-year master plan for early education and care in Massachusetts. The master plan will, among other things, identify measures to be implemented for age-appropriate child development and school readiness; provide recommendations for constructing or acquiring new facilities; and include proposals for making program revisions and adding new programs.

The Advisory Council is also tasked with working with the EEC Commissioner to develop an educationally sound kindergarten readiness assessment for pre-school children. In addition, the Advisory Council is empowered to review and provide input on any pending rules or regulations being promulgated by the Board of Early Education and Care, and to offer recommendations to the Board “for changes and improvements in early education and care programs and services.”

“As a legislator, Kim has long prioritized and championed policies to ensure that all Massachusetts students have access to a quality education,” said Representative Jones. “Her passion and commitment will be an asset to the Advisory Council as it works to improve the state’s early education programs.”

“I am honored to be appointed to this vital advisory council, and I look forward to the work ahead,” said Representative Ferguson. “Early education has been a priority of mine, and I am thrilled to play a role in the path Massachusetts is taking - it’s an exciting time!”

Prior to joining the Legislature in 2011, Ferguson was a member of the Wachusett Regional School District Committee for three years. She is also the House Chair of the Massachusetts Regional Schools Caucus, which was established in 2005 to advocate for the needs of regional school districts, and was honored with a special recognition certificate by the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools in 2022 for her work on regional school issues. She previously served on the Foundation Budget Review Commission, which helped lay the groundwork for the passage of the 2019 Student Opportunity Act to close the learning achievement gaps in Massachusetts’ schools.

Ferguson holds a Master of Science degree in Speech/Language Pathology and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Education Leadership and Management. She previously worked as a private practice speech/language pathologist and consultant and was also an adjunct faculty member of the Graduate Department at Framingham State University and Fitchburg State University. 

In addition to serving as the Ranking Minority Member on both the Joint Committee on Education and the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change, Ferguson is also a member of the Joint Committee on Agriculture. She currently serves as the First Assistant Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and represents the First Worcester District, which is comprised of the towns of Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, and Westminster.

Remembering September 11

“One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.” – President George W. Bush, at the September 11, 2008 dedication of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

Today the House Republican Caucus joins with Americans everywhere to remember and honor the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Although 22 years have passed since that fateful day, we will never forget.