Burlington Profiles: 4 Candidates For 2 School Committee Seats

BURLINGTON, MA — In the April 4 election, four candidates for two School Committee seats. Patch asked all four to answer questions for a candidate profile. Excerpts from their responses are available below.

Are you running for office in Burlington? Contact Christopher Huffaker at chris.huffaker@patch.com for information on submitting campaign announcements to Burlington Patch.

Previously on Patch:

Over 50 File To Run In Burlington Annual Town Election

Burlington Candidate Profile: Stephen Nelson For School Committee

Burlington Candidate Profile: Carl Foss For School Committee

Burlington Candidate Profile: Adam Senesi For School Committee

Burlington Candidate Profile: Katherine Bond For School Committee

Katherine Bond

Bond works in business development and logistics.

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.

Adam Senesi

Senesi works in sales and marketing and is a town meeting member.

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

Burlington faces challenges of building new schools, and those challenges will be met. Students will leave our schools ready to compete in the global marketplace by demanding the highest standards in science, technology, engineering and math. Special education students will receive support. All students and parents will feel included. Those are the standards I'll pursue on School Committee.

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

Experience

Carl Foss

Foss is a teacher and town meeting member.

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.

Stephen Nelson

Nelson, a 24-year incumbent, is an attorney.

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

I would probably say increases in elementary school enrollment. Construction of a new school on the Fox Hill site to address that.

I've been through that process, with the renovation of Francis Wyman, Marshall Simonds, the construction of Memorial.

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

I think experiences. I don't know that much about the other candidates. One of the most important things when you're a school committee member is having experience, knowing the players in town who make the important decisions, knowing and interacting with the selectmen and the Ways and Means Committee, knowing about budget. The candidates running for office, their argument is they have kids in the system. I had kids in the system the first time I ran, and I didn't get elected. Experience, that's the most important difference.

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