The BHS PTO invites you to participate in this year’s School Council election! The School Council, which operates independently of the PTO, collaborates with school leadership to adopt educational goals, address students’ needs, and develop a school improvement plan. We’re fortunate to have five candidates running for two open positions, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of BHS. The candidates are:
- Erika Anderson
- Aleksey Chuprov
- Dwight Mathis
- Tiffany Rhine
- Julie Wingerter
Candidate-supplied introductions are listed below in alphabetical order.
Erika Anderson
I am interested in the upcoming school council position. My family and I have been Brookline residents for 14 years. I have three daughters in PSB: my oldest is currently a 10th grader at BHS and I have twins in 7th grade at Ruffin Ridley. I am an attorney and practice litigation with the law firm Dowd Bennett.
I have always found ways to be involved with the girls’ school. Our schools are at their best when parents have a strong community and when the educators are supported. Since 2020, I have been on the lead team for FRR’s Equity PAC and have helped plan and carry out various equity-related initiatives. We started Ruffin Ridley Readers in 2020, a weekly online story time focused on community building, diversity and inclusion. It has since expanded to include other schools and become Brookline Readers and Leaders. I also helped create and organize FRR’s Kindness Fair for the past two years. For the past year, I have also been involved in the District’s CARE group, which focuses on promoting equity and inclusion in our schools, supporting parents, and educators with equity-related issues.
I believe that our schools must strive to create an equitable, challenging, and innovative education that serves all of our families. Our teachers are one of our greatest strengths, and serving on the council would provide an opportunity to hear directly from them and support them. School council provides a unique, and rare, opportunity to bring together various stakeholders to work toward the best education and environment BHS can provide. Because of its size and diversity, BHS faces many challenges; however, it also has a wealth of resources in its community and students to meet those challenges. My experience in the largest elementary school in the district, working on equity initiatives, and my work as an attorney situates me well to serve on the council. The timing is ideal because the term would coincide with the year all three of my daughters are at BHS together.
Aleksey Chuprov
I’m proud parent of a freshman at Brookline High, and excited about the opportunity to serve on the school council. I believe that I have a right skillset to contribute so BHS to thrive further.
Having worked in digital and artificial intelligence for more than 15 years, and currently a leading Data and AI organization, I have a clear vision of what knowledge is in the highest demand in the market, and what adjustments to the curriculum would be needed to make our students future-ready. I will support BHS in incorporating AI into the curriculum to ensure that students are well equipped for the future, and broadly help to improve STEM curriculum.
As Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, I supported organizations in setting up and optimizing their annual and multi-year strategic planning process, including balancing the budget. I will act not only as a sounding board but help to rationalize resource utilization and ideate on cost-saving opportunities that would not affect educational process.
I started my career as a construction project manager, and now I’m data and AI executive at the largest construction firm in New England. My project management expertise and access to the expert in the space will enable me to support planning of school improvements.
I come from Russia originally, and I have also lived and worked in many countries across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This diverse experience gives me a wide perspective on different cultures. I’m aware of some of the difficulties that students from such diverse backgrounds may encounter, and I will help foster the inclusivity and empathy within BHS community.
Education has always been important to me. I hold multiple degrees, including MBA from Northwestern University. I’m passionate about lifelong learning and want to support BHS students in their school journeys. Serving on the BHS council is a way for me to give back and make a positive impact to the school and Brookline community.
I will be excited with deans and other administrators, teachers, parents, and students to support Brookline High School’s mission. I trust that my experiences and commitment can make a meaningful difference.
Dwight Mathis
Dwight’s career spans over 25 years in financial services leadership. Advancing to key roles at Merrill Lynch, including Regional Sales Manager, Market Executive, and Head of New Advisor Strategy. His leadership journey took him across New Mexico, Arizona, Pittsburgh, and Long Island, culminating in his role as Market Executive for Merrill’s flagship Rockefeller Center Market in New York City. Following his retirement from Merrill, Dwight joined First Citizens Bank in Boston as New England Regional Managing Director for Wealth. A graduate of Appalachian State University and a Certified Financial Planner, Dwight holds an MBA from The Thunderbird School of Global Management and has completed executive education programs at several Ivy League institutions, including Wharton’s Securities Industry Institute. Passionate about the arts and education, Dwight has served on nonprofit boards related to visual arts, music, theatre, and community development. His early career as a high school history teacher instilled a lasting commitment to educational innovation Notably, Dwight has been recognized with the Pittsburgh Business Journal’s Top CEO Award, the Business Education Partner of the Year Award, and has served on Arizona State University’s Business Education Advisory Board. He also contributed as a long time board member to the Dzi Foundation’s efforts in Nepal, focusing on education and community development in remote Himalayan regions.
Tiffany Rhine
I am a Brookline mother of 4 and we have been in the Brookline Public school for 16 years now. Two of our children have graduated and moved on to college so we are currently down to a sophomore at the high school and an 8th grader at Hayes.
I served as the PTO Chair and on the Pierce School Council for years. I currently volunteer with the Hayes PTO. Since I have dedicated a lot of my free time to the Elementary schools and since my youngest child is in 8th grade, I think it’s time to start adjusting and spending more of my volunteer time, energy and experience at the high school.
I am an teacher by trade and although I stopped teaching full time school years ago so I could stay home and raise our children, I am still a teacher in many capacities not only with my own children, but as a leader and teacher in our church’s youth program where I teach classes and direct a summer camp for girls age 11-18.
I love our community and more importantly, I care deeply about the youth in our town. I would be happy to serve on the BHS School Council where I feel like I could contribute positively.
Julie Wingerter
As the parent of four children who are in grades 7, 8, 10, and 11, I am both invested in and have many years of experience as a parent in the Brookline school system including BEEP, Devotion / FRR, and BHS.
From the recent discussions on de-leveling, Days of Solidarity, and various social issues to space and geography constraints, I am familiar with many of the challenges and opportunities facing BHS students, faculty, and staff within our diverse community. I value a broad education that includes academic rigor as well as opportunities for kids to grow and learn through the arts/ sports/ clubs and social events. I believe setting clear goals, having difficult conversations, and a strong home-school connection produce the best results for everyone.
I am currently a parent volunteer with the FRR PTO and serve on the boards of several not for profits. I previously served on the school council at Devotion/ FRR school, so I am familiar with the mission and responsibilities of the school council.
I would be honored to serve the Brookline community as a parent representative to the BHS school council.