Norwood 2022 Candidate Profile: Katie Sibbing-Dunn

NORWOOD, MA - Norwood voters will have a big choice to make in the School Committee race.

There are two seats up for election on Monday, April 4. Incumbent Joan Giblin is seeking reelection. There are four challengers in the mix: Tylor Tourville, Michael Condon, Mark Whouley and Katie Sibbing-Dunn.

To help voters get to know each candidate, Norwood Patch sent all five a questionnaire to probe their thoughts on school issues. Here's what Sibbing-Dunn had to say.

Age: 45

Position sought: School Committee

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Family: My husband's name is Bryan Dunn. We have a son in the third grade at the Oldham and a daughter at the Willett.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA Public Administration - Urban Affairs, Wright State University

Occupation

I currently do not work for pay. My professional background is in Non-Profit and Arts Administration and Production

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Town Meeting Member, Norwood Cultural Council - Treasurer, Norwood 150th Committee - Cultural Subcommittee Chair (all current)

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/KateS...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I'm seeking a seat on the School Committee to deepen my commitment to the town of Norwood by doing what I can to enable effective communications and equitable education for all of Norwood's students.

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

The most important issues facing the school committee is how to responsibly manage the budget to be able to continue to meet our override promises of providing up-to-date teaching curricula, student services, and professional development to meet the needs of Norwood's unique population of students. I intend to use my collaborative problem solving and communication skills to help the district engage the community around these priorities. Additionally, I would use any access I have to advocate at the state level for funding that keeps pace with local needs.

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

I have a proven record of commitment to the town and public service. I have been civically engaged in Norwood for 6 years, including following the Norwood Public Schools budgeting process. During this time, I've developed relationships with neighbors who vary on the political spectrum.

Local politics is a place where common ground can generally be found when one takes the time to listen, learn and collaborate and I have done that. I have applied my communications skills in the field of public service which requires a nuanced understanding of participants. I will not let national political rhetoric cloud the sensible conversations and caring participation Norwood residents contribute to the town.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

In an unprecedented time, the pandemic created urgent needs that resulted in other priorities being put on hold. The lack of a strong communications plan has exacerbated confusion and lack of community buy-in on some issues.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My main priority will be to help bridge understanding between the district and families and educators who all want the best for our students. Additionally, I will do my part to further the cooperative relationships established with the town's Finance Commission in order to sustain budgeting stability.

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

Professionally, as a Producer for a creative services company, I managed multiple projects at a time with varying budgets. Each of these contracts involved clients, creative and production staff that I guided toward the same goal.

I've applied these skills to town efforts as a volunteer, when I drafted the communications plan and produced the video content for One Norwood which educated the community about the budget process and challenges facing the schools in 2019. As a citizen, I’ve collaborated with many town groups including Morrill Memorial Library and TogetherYes on the Sustainability Series, and to foster and increase civic engagement in town.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Do the next right thing." Sometimes the simplest advice from a children's movie can get you through a tough spot.

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

Public service runs deep in my family. I grew up in Dayton, Ohio where my mother served for eight years on the school board and where my father ran one of the local soup kitchens. I am grateful for the opportunity to pass on that value to our children in Norwood where so many contribute to making the town great. My husband and many other family members are educators and I have a deep appreciation for the work they do to create a positive and strong foundation for students and communities.