Milford 2021 Candidate Profile: Christopher Wilson, School Board

MILFORD, MA — The Milford School Committee race is the most crowded field in the 2021 town election with five candidates, including two incumbents.

School Committee member Christopher Wilson is vying for his second term. He won his seat in 2018 in a seven-way race, and was the third-highest vote getter with about 39 percent of the vote.

Next to Wilson, School Committee Vice Chair Meghan Hornberger is running to keep her seat. RJ Sheedy, Matthew Zacchilli and Wilfredo Vasquez Jr are competing for a chance to take the seat being vacated by School Committee member Laura Ingemi — or perhaps knock off one of the incumbents.

We sent each candidate in the race a candidate questionnaire to help voters get to know them better. Here's how Wilson answered:

Christopher Wilson

Age (as of Election Day): 46
Position Sought: School Committee
Party Affiliation: Independent
Family: Wife of 20 years - Cathy; Son - Ryan (16); Daughter - Caleigh (15)
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My wife is a school psychologist in a neighboring school district
Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University
Occupation: Senior Mechanical Engineer with 23 years of design experience
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Current School Committee Member; Current Town Meeting Member; Former School Council Member at Brookside, Woodland, and Stacy Middle School; Former Milford Community Use Board Member; Former Vice Chairperson of the Milford Special Education Parent Advisory Counsel.
Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/wilsonforschoolcommittee

Why are you seeking elective office?

I would like to continue to represent the students and families of the Town of Milford. I have found it important and rewarding to be involved in my children's education while giving back to the community through my service. The school system is the foundation of a community where past, present, and future community members have and will learn, grow, and establish friendships within our schools. I want to continue to be a part of a committee that oversees our school district as we navigate through these unprecedented times.

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

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the traditional education model over the past year. Students and teachers have had to adjust to new ways to learn, teach, and interact. The long term effects academically and emotionally need to be routinely evaluated. Plans and programs to offset any deficiencies need to be developed and supported. I want to use the experience and knowledge I've gained over the past 3 years to review the implementation of new programs and any budgetary impacts.

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

I want to use the experience and knowledge I've gained over the past three years to continue my role on the school committee. I have been through multiple budget cycles, superintendent reviews, and policy votes. These are the 3 fundamental roles school committee members oversee to ensure a quality education is achieved for all students.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I want to be a strong advocate to add a career counselor to our district. Approximately 25% of the graduating class goes into the workforce. A career counselor can guide students into a field of their choice and better prepare on a career path.

The Milford School District has a few aging school facilities that will need to be addressed. It is an important role for the School Committee to focus on the need to submit a Statement of Interest and begin the process to address these facilities. Also justifying this need to the community is an important aspect to gain the support as plans are moved forward through each step in the process.

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

The current COVID-19 pandemic has created a major educational shift. Information from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the State House, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) had to constantly be reviewed and assessed. This resulted in difficult votes required by the School Committee pertaining to educational models and the effects on Milford families.

Also, my 23 years as a mechanical engineering has provided the experience and many opportunities to be successful when challenged in a difficult situation. I've been a member of a team that needed to communicate and collaborate to achieve the goals set forth. It is this knowledge and experience I bring to this role.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be an independent voice for the community you represent.

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

I've live in Milford for more than 20 years with my wife Cathy. We have raised our 2 children within this community and have made many great friends. My children have always attended Milford Public Schools and have received a good education. I want all Milford families to experience this same level of achievement my children have accomplished.