Woburn Candidate Profile: Luke Anderson For School Committee

WOBURN, MA — Woburn will have several contested races in November's election, including a seven-way race for five school committee seats. Woburn Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Luke Anderson, 20, is running for a seat on the school committee. There are six other candidates: Patricia E. Chisholm, Colleen Cormier, Ellen Crowley, Andrew Lipsett, Charles Viola and John Wells. Anderson is a business student at the University of Rhode Island and a recent graduate of Woburn Public Schools. His father, Michael Anderson, is the city's ward four alderman. Anderson wants to focus on creating opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at Woburn schools.

Are you running for office in Woburn? Contact Chris Huffaker at chris.huffaker@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Woburn Patch.

Previously on Patch: School Committee Candidate Forum: Contenders Tout Resumes

Woburn Preliminary Election: Galvin, Pedrini Advance

Campaign Website: https://www.facebook.com/ImVotingLukeAndersonForSchoolCommittee/

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

STEM/Altavesta: It's time that Woburn Public Schools takes that next step to not only provide the foundation that our students need, but also provide opportunities, in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This will help our students excel in the future. We need to have a vision that not only addresses the Altavesta School but also our facilities to address STEM education.

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

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. I was raised with the principle of giving back to the community, and Woburn is my community. I want nothing more than for this city to thrive and for the school system to be one of the most successful in Massachusetts that all of Woburn can be proud of.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

ELL: Woburn succeeds and thrives with a diverse demographic, whether that diversity is based upon race, economics or ideas. As it applies to the schools, I believe diversity in both lived experiences and ideas must be met with educational support. During my time at Woburn Memorial High School, I was fortunate to befriend students who had recently moved to the United States and were in the ELL program. I am proud of my peers for always welcoming those new to our school and new to the language. Woburn Welcomes stands for the proposition that we are a welcoming and inclusive city that will make sure that those with differing backgrounds or views are always welcome and respected. This includes core foreign language classes at a younger age, instead of the subject being treated like an elective.

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

I am a student for the students, and I believe that my age and recent experience with Woburn Public Schools puts me in a better position than other candidates. I am honored to have the opportunity to run for a position on the School Committee. I am a business major and while I am very tuned into financial issues, my goal is to make sure that the School Department uses their funding efficiently and appropriately and if more resources are needed, I will be the first to advocate for those funds. The bottom line is that I am dedicated to making a positive impact for current and future students by ensuring that we continue and increase the number of academic, art and athletic programs for Woburn students.

Previous candidate profiles: Woburn Candidate Profile: Pat Chisholm For School Committee

Woburn Candidate Profile: Jeff Dillon For Ward 3 Alderman

Woburn Candidate Profile: Ellen Crowley For School Committee

Woburn Candidate Profile: Charles Viola For School Committee

Woburn Candidate Profile: Andrew Lipsett For School Committee

Woburn Candidate Profile: John Wells For School Committee

Woburn Candidate Profile: Colleen Cormier For School Committee

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