SPRINGFIELD — The Nov. 4 general election is just a couple weeks away, which means Reminder Publishing is continuing its coverage of the candidates.
In another School Committee race, District 4 candidate Ayanna Crawford is facing off against incumbent Peter Murphy during the Nov. 4 general election.
Both candidates were provided with the same questions about their background and future goals if they were elected.
District 4 covers Wards 2 & 8 in Springfield.
Murphy responded after press time for print, but his answers are included below.
Reminder Publishing: What qualities or experiences make you qualified to serve on the School Committee?
Crawford: Ayanna Crawford’s qualifications for serving on the Springfield School Committee are rooted in her extensive professional experience in education, her long-standing involvement in the Springfield community, and her advocacy work for students. A lifelong resident of Springfield, she is also personally motivated to improve the local school system, as her own grandson is a student in the Springfield Public Schools.
Educational and community experience
- Decades as an educator: Crawford spent 25 years as an educator in the Springfield Public Schools and also taught as an adjunct professor at Springfield Technical Community College.
- Master’s degree in education: She holds a master’s degree in education from Springfield College, complementing her bachelor’s degree in psychology and education from Westfield State University.
- Chief of Staff for a State Representative: Since 2020, she has served as Chief of Staff for Massachusetts State Representative Orlando Ramos, an experience that has provided her with deeper political insight and access to resources.
- Consulting and media services: She is the president of AC Consulting and Media Services, where she helps nonprofits with public relations and marketing.
- Public speaking program founder: For over a decade, Crawford has run “Take the Mic,” a program that helps young girls develop confidence and public speaking skills. The program was later expanded to include adults.
- Community and family ties: As a resident of Springfield and a graduate of Central High School, Crawford is deeply connected to the city. Her family has a personal stake in the school system, with her grandson attending Springfield Public Schools.
Advocacy and policy positions
- Focus on student well-being: Drawing on her time in the classroom, Crawford recognizes that many students face challenges outside of school that impact their learning. This insight drives her focus on ensuring the school system provides comprehensive support.
- Securing financial resources: Crawford has stated she will actively work to secure funding and resources for students, saying she is “going to find” the money needed to support students.
- Equitable education: Crawford Believes in Equitable Education for all students across all grades
- Ensuring the “fun” in schools: Crawford has voiced a desire to keep “the fun in the committee, in our schools,” signaling a commitment to a positive and engaging educational environment.
Murphy: As a father of three and an attorney, I bring both personal commitment and professional expertise to the Springfield School Committee. For the past eight years, I’ve worked to ensure that every child in our city has access to a safe, high-quality education. My legal background helps me navigate complex policies, budgets, and contracts, while my experience as a parent keeps me focused on what truly matters—our students’ success. I believe in accountability, transparency, and collaboration with families, teachers, and administrators to continue improving our schools and preparing our children for bright futures in Springfield and beyond.
RP: In your eyes, what are the top two most important issues facing the School Committee in the next 12 months?
Crawford: Teacher retention and contract negotiations and budgetary pressures.
Murphy: Maintaining academic excellence without relying solely on MCAS testing means focusing on critical thinking, creativity, and real-world learning that prepare students for success beyond standardized exams. We must support teachers with strong curricula, tutoring, and enrichment programs that measure progress in meaningful ways. At the same time, public safety remains the most urgent issue facing Springfield schools. Students learn best when they feel secure. By investing in mental health supports, conflict resolution programs, and safe school environments, we can create classrooms where every child can thrive academically and personally, ensuring excellence and safety go hand in hand in Springfield Public Schools.
RP: What is your overall message to voters ahead of the election?
Crawford: I have been a resident in Springfield all my life, I am a graduate of Springfield Public Schools, I received a BA from Westfield State University and M. Ed from Springfield, MA — I’m currently the Chief of Staff for Rep. Orlando Ramos and have a small consulting business. In addition, I have studied the role of the School Committee for over four years by participating and attending meetings virtually — I am ready to serve on day one. I will be accessible, I will show up because attendance matters on the School Committee. I will be accountable to the voters and residents of Springfield! I will create office hours so that you can reach me via phone and in person. I will make sure we have social and emotional support in our schools, I will make sure we increase our parent and community partnerships, as well as make sure all our schools are safe.
Lastly, help with a plan to bring our school buildings that are 100 years old so that they are environmentally sound and modern, and be a champion for literacy development for all students in all grades in the Springfield Public Schools. I humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 4 for school committee Wards 2 & 8.
Murphy: As a candidate for the Springfield School Committee, I’m passionate about creating safe, supportive schools where every student can thrive. I believe academic success begins with mental health and emotional well-being. That’s why I’ll advocate for more counselors, stronger partnerships with community agencies, and programs that teach resilience and kindness. Public safety will always be my top priority—students, teachers, and families deserve schools that are secure and welcoming. By focusing on both safety and mental health, we can build a foundation where learning flourishes, teachers feel supported, and every child in Springfield has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include comments from Peter Murphy, who did not initially respond for the press time for print. His answers have been included, and the title has been updated to note he responded.
