Candidate Profile: Martha Simon For Burlington School Committee

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington voters will cast ballot in School Committee and Board of Selectmen races, among others, in the April 10 town election. Burlington Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Martha Simon is running for re-election the School Committee. She is unopposed.

Simon is a teacher and has been on the School Committee for six years.

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

Previously on Patch: Burlington Election Final List: Dozens Run For Town Offices

Martha Simon

Age (as of Election Day)

67

Position Sought

School Committee

Family

Husband - Town Meeting member Monte Pearson. Two grown daughters who attended the Burlington Public Schools

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

M.Ed in Special Education

Occupation

Teacher, 40 years experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Town Meeting for 2 years before being elected to the School Committee in 2015

Campaign website

marthasimon.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for a third term as a member of the Burlington School Committee. As a member for the past six years, I have worked very hard to ensure that every student in Burlington can reach their potential - whether in honors classes, on an IEP, or in mainstream classrooms.

Toward that end, I have served on committees to enhance equity and cultural proficiency in our schools. If re-elected, I will be excited to work with our new Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

During the pandemic, I supported full implementation of a range of health and safety requirements with the goal of allowing our schools to re-open as soon as possible. I applaud the fact that, unlike many other districts, Burlington schools have remained open. We are currently planning to return to full in-person school (unless families choose to remain fully remote).

In addition, I consistently advocate for improved communication between the school department, parents, residents, and Town Meeting members. I encourage transparent budget and accounting policies and procedures throughout the District.

I will continue to advocate for

• Strategies to address student stress such as new homework policies, mindfulness, and the pace of the school day;
• Cultural proficiency and equity. This is not just a way of helping students get along while in school, rather it is a set of life skills that every child needs to succeed in the increasingly multicultural workplace of the 21st century;
• New building projects we need, starting with renovations at Burlington High School and a new Fox Hill School;
• Best environmental practices for the health of our students and the planet.

I am proud to say I have been a resident of Burlington for 28 years and both of my children were educated in the Burlington Public Schools. Just as my family and my children prospered here, I will do my best to provide excellent educational opportunities for today’s families and children.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen carefully to all stakeholders.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.