North Andover Candidate Profile: Alissa Koenig For School Committee

NORTH ANDOVER, MA —The Town of North Andover's Annual Town Election is on Tuesday.

This year, four offices are on the ballot: Select Board, School Committee, Housing Authority and Greater Lawrence Technical School District Committee.

Here are more details about the upcoming election.

Patch is profiling some of the candidates. Here, we learn more about Alissa Koenig, who is running for one of two open seats on the School Committee. David Scott Brown and Kevin Dube also are running for School Committee.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Alissa Koenig

Campaign website, social media

Vote4Alissa.com

facebook.com/Vote4Alissa

Age (as of Election Day)

40

Office sought

School Committee

Family

I have an adult daughter who is a laboratory technician in Alabama, and son serving in the United States Coast Guard. My partner Ryan Samz works in Environmental Health and Safety at MIT, our daughter is in 1st grade and our son is in preschool. We also have a beautiful, strong-willed Siberian husky, Packer.

Education

Juris Doctor from New England Law Boston, Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies from University of West Florida

Occupation

Civil Litigation Attorney; adjunct faculty at New England Law Boston.

Previous or current elected or appointed office

North Andover Planning Board (2021-Current)

Why are you seeking elective office?

To bring my advocacy skills and unique perspective as a parent to help make our school system better. I believe our school system has the potential to be even better and I want to advocate to get it there.

Describe the issues that define your campaign platform

It is my unique perspective as a parent and advocate that we need to be diligent in preparing for the future needs of our schools. Having this critical foresight I will work with other town boards to ensure the construction and redevelopment of our schools moves forward smoothly for taxpayers and children; advocate for improved School Committee transparency, which includes open and honest communication with the community; implement higher goal expectations and standards; and advocate for the best educational experiences for our children so they are advantaged by and proud of the education they receive from the North Andover School System.

It is vital to recognize that the role of a school committee member is to advocate for children. It is not aa place for culture wars, political wars or a forum for anything other than the single obligation to make our schools better for our children. I bring no predetermined opinion or ideology to the school committee table.

If you are a challenger, in what ways do you hope to improve upon the work of the current board or office holder?

I plan to work with the current School Committee to ensure we are advocates for the best interests of our children and do everything we can to improve their educational experience; take a critical look at our budget and see how we can improve and find ways to fund our schools' needs; increase
transparency between the School Committee and the community; and ensure our school administration is being held to high standards for the betterment of our school system.

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

I am a parent to four kids, two of which have graduated NAHS, and two are just entering the school system. I have a unique perspective of the schools. I was a volunteer coach when my older two were active in soccer, t-ball and cheerleading, and I was a Girl Scout leader.

I have volunteered for nonprofit legal organizations advocating for the legal rights of those with limited financial means. I served on the American Bar Association House of Representatives drafting legal policy and advocating for policy change. As an attorney, I advocate daily for the best interests of my clients. I have the skills and experiences necessary to make a difference on the School Committee.

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

Our town has been kind to me and my family. With my skills as an advocate and parent with the
perspective of my profession and unique personal experiences, I can help North Andover be equally kind to other parents, students and citizens. No one will work harder.