Burlington Candidate Profile: Katherine Bond 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.

Katherine Bond is one of four candidates for the two School Committee seats. Her opponents are Adam Senesi, Carl Foss and incumbent Stephen Nelson. Bond works in business development and logistics and has a daughter in college.

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

Katherine Bond

Age (as of Election Day)

57

Position Sought

School Committee

Party Affiliation

Family

Brad Bond- Husband - He has a PHD in Applied Mathematics. He is a software engineer. His community involvement over the years includes the following, Rotary, BCAT, Town Meeting and the Ways and Means Committee.

Elizabeth Bond - daughter. Attended elementary through high school in the Burlington school system. She took part in a lot of activities, such as Pop Warner Cheer and high school cheerleading, figure skating (BHSA & WFSC) and music (select chorus, band and attended The Real School of Music). She is 20 years old and is a sophomore attending Juniata College located in Pennsylvania.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My husband is a Town Meeting Member and is on the Way and Means Committee

Education

BS University of Illinois - Champaign-Urbana

Occupation

Business Development and Logistics for over 30 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/KatherineBondforSchoolCommittee/

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have a broad understanding of our schools, K-12. During the four years serving on the BHS School Council, I listened to concerns of students and parents and advocated on their behalf for solutions. I forged invaluable connections with students, parents and teachers. I learned how to create effective changes in our schools. This experience led to my decision to run for School Committee.

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

While Burlington continues to retain its identity, we must always strive to stay ahead of the next change for our student and teachers.

We face challenges with our facilities: BHS requires renovation, and it’s time to plan for rebuilding the Fox Hill and Pine Glen elementary schools.

We need innovative strategies to maintain the small, community school experience that embodies education here in Burlington.

We must improve budgeting to ensure the continuation of programs that foster student growth and development.

We must continue to provide strong, cost-effective special education programs for students.

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

I have experienced negotiating the school system, as a parent, grades K-12. When parents and students approach me with ideas or concerns I know where to direct them for help and/or I can express their ideas and concerns to the correct people. The other candidates have their strengths, but my business experience in logistics, contract review and negotiation will bring a different perspective to the School Committee. I am focused on bettering the transitions between preschool and Elementary, Middle, School and Beyond.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Our schools are excellent. However, we must always strive to be ahead of the next change. We must improve budgeting and ensure programs foster student growth and development. We must provide strong, cost-effective special education programs for students.

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

During my daughters journey through the school system I became very involved in the academic, social, and athletic Burlington community while I grew my career. Some highlights:
· Burlington High School Council- 2016 to present
· Parent Sponsor – BHS Skating Team – 4 years
· Winchester Figure Skating Club (WFSC)- Treasurer since 2010
· Pop Warner Coach- 2008-2013; head coach 2012 and 2013
· Burlington Hockey and Skating Association (BHSA)- Board of Directors 2010-2012; Director of Fundraising 2011
· Burlington Swim and Tennis Club- Board of Directors 2005-2008; VP 2006
· I come from a family of school teachers- mother, grandmother and great aunt
· Degree in Industrial Psychology with minor in Business from the University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana
· Business experience- Business Development and Logistics for 33 years
· Currently employed at Raytheon- Principal Logistics Specialist

My goal is to ensure our students are prepared for success from pre- K to high school and beyond. The future of Burlington, our democracy and way of life require it.

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

I promise to listen and advocate with a perspective of a real Burlington Public School Mom who has experienced K-12 and beyond.

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