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2025 BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATES
Jessica Lamb
Jessica Lamb believes that schools should be vibrant and inclusive communities where every student feels valued, empowered to learn, and inspired to reach their fullest potential in a safe and supportive environment.
She is the Senior Director of Materials Planning at a leading aerospace manufacturer, bringing over 26 years of experience in engineering, operations, supply chain planning, and leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine, Orono, and a Master of Science in Management Technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Hartford.
Throughout her career, Jessica has held a range of leadership roles with increasing responsibility across STEM disciplines—including lean manufacturing, forecasting and planning, master scheduling, continuous improvement, and data and analytics. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and strategic growth.
A passionate lifelong learner, Jessica has always been drawn to the field of education. Her passion for learning and sharing knowledge led her back to school, where she earned a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Saint Joseph College. Her studies focused on Curriculum, Assessment, Instructional Design, and Educational Research—further enriching her ability to lead, coach, and inspire others.
Jessica brings this same passion for learning and service to her Cromwell community. She currently serves on the Cromwell Middle School Building Committee, collaborating with a team of dedicated professionals and partners to help bring a state-of-the-art STEAM educational facility to life. The new middle school proudly opens its doors to students in August 2025.
Jessica and her spouse have called Cromwell home for over 20 years, where they are raising their three children through the Cromwell Public School system.
Donna Mattei
A Democrat candidate for the Board of Education, Donna Mattei has been deeply involved in academic and school community life throughout her 30+ years of teaching. Whether presenting for the English Department at Board of Education meetings, chairing the Attendance Committee to update policy, or revising NEASC standards for accreditation, she has always been dedicated to improving schools. Most importantly, she cherished her relationships with students — serving as National Honor Society Advisor, Book Club facilitator, Prom, Senior Class, and Graduation Advisor, and even coaching the Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team in her early years.
Her extensive knowledge of school life, especially before COVID-19, has shown her how urgently our town needs committed Board of Education members to navigate today’s challenges. Donna believes all students deserve a high-quality education, grounded in high expectations and strong goals, to prepare them to be informed and engaged citizens. She also believes teachers, parents, and the community must work together to support student success while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Since retiring, Donna has remained active in education and the community. She has substituted at the middle and high school levels in District #13, participated in the Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education, and contributed to the Cromwell Creative District before the pandemic.
At St. John’s Church, she has used her teaching skills to create CCD lessons, edit Lenten Mission documents, and proudly served as a Lector/Reader for more than 25 years. One of her favorite post-retirement experiences was mentoring adults in a Poetry and Creative Writing class, where one of her students won a monetary prize in the Altrusa Senior Citizens’ Poetry Contest.
Raised by the children of immigrants who valued education, Donna developed a lifelong passion for learning, which was only enhanced by her college experiences. She graduated cum laude from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in English Literature and later began her Master’s studies at Trinity College. Nearly 40 years ago, she and her family chose to make Cromwell their home so her three children could attend its public schools. Their good fortune was that they learned from dedicated teachers — one of whom taught her son CAD, helping him secure a paid summer internship. Donna now hopes to give back by serving on the Board of Education and supporting the schools and community that gave so much to her family.
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