School Committee Candidates: Who's Running, What Do They Say?

WOBURN, MA — With the Nov. 5 municipal elections fast approaching, Patch has prepared candidate profiles for all seven school committee hopefuls. The seven candidates, including three incumbents, are vying for five seats on the committee.

Five of the candidates attended a candidate forum Oct. 9, hosted by the Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Candidates are listed below alphabetically, with links to their profiles and an excerpt. Incumbents are in bold.

Luke Anderson
Candidate profile
"I graduated from Woburn High in 2017, and have the most recent experience in how the public school operated. I also have siblings in the school system, and am aware how the school system has treated them. With my recent experience and first-hand observations, I can help provide them with the tools and policies to have a positive impact on the students."

Patricia Chisholm
Candidate profile
"As a mom of four children who have successfully completed their education, I have first hand knowledge of the needs necessary to be a productive member of our society. I now have twin granddaughters just beginning their education so I am completely invested in our great city. I have been through many different budget cycles and have worked with different mayors, city councilors and school committee members in a positive way."

Colleen Cormier
Candidate Profile
"My background as a medical provider is unique in this race. I am hoping to support the health and wellness of our students through policy because I believe that the integration of health and wellness with education can improve learning for the whole student."

Ellen Crowley
Candidate Profile
"I am experienced child advocate, foster parent and parent to two children in the school system."

Andrew Lipsett
Candidate Profile
"My fellow School Committee candidates are good people who want the best for our kids. I hope I can add to their work with my unique perspective as both a teacher and a parent. If elected, I would be the only member who works in the field of education; working with students every day gives me a clear sense of what kinds of curriculum and services we need to provide, and where we might be able to improve. I would also be one of only two members with children currently in the schools. Together, these give me a clear sense of what's happening on the ground, in the classroom, on a daily basis."

Charles Viola
Candidate Profile
"I am a lifelong Woburnite, with an established track record of successfully investing personal time, energy, and enthusiasm on projects that enhance the quality of life for Woburn's families. I am a product of the Reeves Elementary School on the West Side/Ward 7, and the Joyce Middle School. I know this City is the perfect place to live, work, and raise a family. I graduated from Middlesex Community College with a degree in criminal justice, and have worked for the Middlesex Sheriff's Office for over 13 years as a correctional officer, mentoring young adults in life skills, as well as leading by example."

John Wells
Candidate Profile
"My training and education have provided me with the analytical skills to evaluate the choices a school committee member must make. It has also provided me with an understanding of what our educational system needs to provide for our students to succeed. My life experiences have shaped me into a caring, concerned, citizen with common sense. Together these make me uniquely qualified to represent the citizens of Woburn."

Christopher Huffaker: 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.