Burlington Candidate Profile: Carl Foss For School Committee

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington will have a four way-contest for two School Committee seats in this year's town election, April 4. Burlington Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Carl Foss is one of four candidates for the two School Committee seats. His opponents are Adam Senesi, Katherine Bond and incumbent Stephen Nelson. Foss is a teacher and town meeting member and has two kids in Burlington Public Schools.

Are you running for School Committee in Burlington? Contact Christopher Huffaker at chris.huffaker@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Burlington Patch.

Previously on Patch: Over 50 File To Run In Burlington Annual Town Election

Carl Foss

Age (as of Election Day)

39

Position Sought

School Committee

Party Affiliation

Unenrolled

Family

Wife - Alison - 7th Grade Math Teacher in Lexington
Son - Tommy - 2nd Grade Student at Pine Glen
Daughter - Cali - Kindergarten Student at Pine Glen

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

BA - History - Boston University
MA - History Education - UMass Lowell

Occupation

Teacher - 10 years experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Town Meeting Member - Precinct 5

Campaign website

fossforus2020.com or facebook.com/fossforus

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am a father, a teacher and a Precinct 5 Town Meeting Member. My experience gives me a strong and unique voice that will advocate for all students, support educators and represent the residents of Burlington. After living in the great, caring, supportive community of Burlington for 7 years, I want to step up and do my part in providing guidance for the Burlington Public Schools.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

We must identify the challenges facing our most vulnerable populations and work to open avenues of achievement for each and every child in our schools. I intend to encourage members from all areas of our community to get involved in the process of school governance and make their needs and voices heard.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have been an educator for a decade. My experience within the schools gives me a viewpoint the other candidates do not have. I am on the front lines every day delivering quality education to students. That perspective will help me to identify ways to improve upon Burlington’s already admirable school system. I am actively involved in the issues and trends that face our schools today and I know how to best support teachers so they can help all our students reach their full potential. I will hit the ground running and do the work required to propel our schools to new heights.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

In many areas, the current School Committee has not asked enough of the tough questions about spending, programming and other aspects of school governance. I pledge to hold everyone accountable for making smart decisions about the way Burlington Public Schools are run. Additionally, the communication between the School Committee, parents and the community at large must be strengthened. In today’s digital world it is easy to communicate to the community at large. I will make sure to reach out to parents and families about School Committee decisions often.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

In Burlington we do a great job of educating many of our students. We need to make sure we are meeting the needs of all students. When looking at assessment data, there are select student populations that need targeting in order to fully realize their potential. With small changes, these populations would see more success. As a community, we need to utilize a forward thinking mindset to meet new challenges head on. Our community is growing with new families arriving monthly. Smart planning for future student population growth is vital. Our high school is in need of renovations and two of our elementary schools will need expansion. Transparent budgeting for these necessary renovation/construction projects is critical. With my experience as an educator and Town Meeting member, I can bring the viewpoint to make these projects as beneficial for students as possible while also keeping in mind the interests of residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have experience in Burlington’s town government as a Town Meeting Member from Precinct 5. As an educator, I have worked in various roles within schools, including in special education and general education settings. I have worked in a diverse set of communities, including Lexington, Waltham, and Lowell.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

From a book I read in graduate school called the 4 Agreements - Be impeccable with your word, don’t take things personally, don’t make assumptions and always do your best.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have a passionate belief in the power of public education to effect positive change in our lives. I hope to use the responsibility of the School Committee to help guide Burlington on a continued upward trajectory.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.