School Committee Candidates Speak Out

Incumbents Margaret Dwyer, Katherine Hennessy and Kathleen Robey are up for re-election this year for the . However, Robey instead is seeking election to the City Council, thus leaving an open seat for which newcomer Heidi Matthews is seeking.

Although Dwyer, Hennessy and Matthews are running unopposed for the three school committee seats, Patch interviewed each candidate to provide residents a glimpse of the priorities regarding our school system that the candidates will be taking into the new term.

Incumbent Katherine Hennessy is seeking her second term on the Marlborough School Committee. One of the biggest accomplishments Hennessy felt she was involved with during her first term was the overhaul of the Superintendent review (physical document and review process), which she stated will "help lay the groundwork for accountability for all across the district."

Hennessy claims that for her second term, "Articulation of expectations and goals are needed and benchmarks with accountability factors are points that I will work hard to support being followed through." Hennessy added, "We need to all hold ourselves accountable for the continued improvement of our district. Open and honest, collaborative conversations will allow for improvement, and I will strive to make that happen."

Heidi Matthews stated that she decided to run for school committee because she has been very active in school councils and is now ready to take the next step. "My biggest concern is making sure every child is given the greatest opportunity to do their best. Not every child or parent is able to advocate very well for themselves, but they shouldn't have to. The expectation should be that at school, every child is given the greatest opportunity possible."

Matthews claims her biggest concern will be student achievement and narrowing the achievement gap. "I aim to make sure every child receives the necessary services to help him or her excel. It's about all the children, not just one, two, or four," said Matthews.

Incumbent Margaret Dwyer said that she is seeking a second term on the school committee with the "goal to put Marlborough on the map for academic excellence." She stated that in the upcoming  year technology should be better utilized in the classrooms.

Dwyer noted that over the past few years, the demographics in the schools have changed drastically, and teachers are looking for support to accommodate those changes. "We've got to take a comprehensive look at creating new curriculum plans for the students. The committee started a lot of good work and supporting the new Superintendent during the previous term and will continue to do so going into the new term," said Dwyer.

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