Election 2019: Statement By School Board Candidate John Stadtman

TEWKBSURY, MA -- The following candidate statement was submitted by John Stadtman. Stadtman is one of three candidates running for two open seats on the Tewksbury School Committee. The other candidates are Erin Knyff and Sharon Demos, while incumbents Krissy Poli­me­no and Arthy Bennett are not seeking reelection.

I am coming into this election as "the new" guy, but my wife Sue and I have been living in town going on 18 years. I have two sons – Jack (14) at THMS and Matthew (12) who is currently at the Wynn.

I have been an active member of Boy Scout Troop 79 which serves both the communities of Andover and Tewksbury. Starting off as a committee member, now helping as Assistant Scout Master and Merit Badge Counselor. More recently I joined the Tewksbury Habitat for Humanity.

A few months ago, I saw a posting looking for residents for the School Athletic Fields Committee. I said “This is something that I can do, this is my opportunity to give back to the community.” Spending time on this committee has opened my eyes to certain areas that I can contribute more with my knowledge and background.

I transitioned over to facilities after being in manufacturing for several years. During this time, I have made it my goal to learn as much as I can about facilities, safety and security. To that point I have earned many certifications focusing around them.

So why exactly did I decide to run for School Committee ?

• Check out the current operating budget and see if there are any ways to save. Even if it just a few thousand dollars here and a few thousand there - I will have done what I set out to do.
• Offer a fresh set of eyes focusing into the school’s facilities infrastructure in our town.
• An insight from the private-sector on security “best-practices.” These are systems that are being installed into our schools right now.
• And lastly, it’s again time for me to do something and give back to our community

Thank you and I ask for your support on April 6th.

John Stadtman

Tewksbury

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