Woburn Candidate Profile: Pat Chisholm 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.

Patricia Chisholm, 62, is running for re-election to the school committee. There are six other candidates: Luke Anderson, Colleen Cormier, Ellen Crowley, Andrew Lipsett, Charles Viola and John Wells. Chisholm is a medical records coordinator. She is the mother of four and now the grandmother of two Woburn kindergarten students.

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

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

Budget. The mandates that are being issued by the state and federal governments without financial backing is a burden. We have moved our district forward with hiring new positions but there is still additional work to be done. We need to proactively work with our city and state officials to maximize our resources. We also need to continue to think out of the box to move our district forward.

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

Experience. 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.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Staffing and equity across our district is a concern. There will be work done at the middle schools this year to ensure parents that both middle schools are equally preparing our students with the same experiences for High school and beyond. I am able to work with our elected officials to involve them in the happenings in our schools so that they are aware of the needs at budget time.

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

I have 100% attendance record at all our school committee meetings. I was on the building committee for 5 of our new schools — all which came in on time and under budget. I also have kept an open and honest line of communication with parents, staff, taxpayers and elected officials.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

From the late Carl Torrice, a former school committee member and friend: "Leave everything at the table and remember we do this for the kids." I carry that with me every day.

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

I am a lifelong Woburnite and am 100% committed to our great city. My husband Ed and I are homeowners and taxpayers. We are strong supporters of public education in the proof that we have sent our children through Woburn school system and to public colleges and universities. This has provided them all with successful careers.

Previous candidate profiles: 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.