Reading Candidate Profile: Erin Gaffen For School Committee

READING, MA — The Town of Reading's Annual Town Election is on April 4.

The offices on the ballot for this election are: Moderator, Select Board, Board of Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, School Committee, Town Meeting Members.

A sample ballot is available online.

Here is some more information about the upcoming election.

Patch is profiling some of the candidates. Here, we learn more about Erin Gaffen. She and Carla Nazzaro are incumbents running unopposed to retain their seats on the School Committee. Members of the School Committee serve three-year terms.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Erin Gaffen

Age (as of Election Day)

48

Office sought

School Committee

Family

My husband is Eric, also an active volunteer on Town Meeting, the Recreation Committee, and
a soccer and basketball coach. Our three sons are Owen (16), Josh (14), and Zach (10). Each son
has been at a different school level the past three years — RMHS, Parker, and Joshua Eaton.

Education

M.Ed. in Special Education from UMASS Boston and MA in Psychology from Wesleyan University

Occupation

I have been a Realtor with RE/MAX Harmony since January 2021, and previously worked for 10 years in special education as both a teacher and an assistant principal.

Previous or current elected or appointed office

School Committee member since 2020 and Town Meeting member since 2019

Why are you seeking elective office?

I enjoyed my first term on the School Committee, even though I was elected at a tumultuous
time due to the pandemic. The committee collaborates well together because we are all
invested in doing what is best for the students. I have also formed positive relationships with
district leadership and believe in where they are steering our district. I take pride in
representing our schools as a fellow leader and collaborator, and I look forward to the work we
will accomplish in the next three years.

Describe the issues that define your campaign platform

The School Committee and the administration have made many improvements to Reading
Public Schools during my current term, but there is still much work to do. Over the next few
years, the SC will likely face decisions surrounding a new Killam Elementary School building,
how to make full-day kindergarten free for all K students, increasing rigor at all levels, how to
continue to support student mental health concerns, and ongoing efforts toward ensuring our
schools are equitable and offer a sense of belonging for every student.

I am optimistic about the conversations and ideas being explored for the future, and grateful to have a seat and voice at the table.

If you are an incumbent, how long have you served in this position and what are your major
accomplishments while in office?

I have completed one three-year term as a SC member from 2020-23. Our schools have made
significant progress in areas such as programming, staffing and curriculum despite the
challenges presented by the pandemic.

I am proud of the work that the SC and the administration have accomplished together. A few of the most significant programmatic changes that I was pleased to support include: expansion of the METCO program with 40 more students and six new METCO coordinators/school adjustment counselors, hiring of more school counselors to address social/emotional needs, adding a director of academic achievement and an Academic Support Center at RMHS, and reducing tuition for full-day kindergarten as we move toward making it free for all.

In 2021, I was a member of the screening committee for a new superintendent that helped name Dr. Thomas Milaschewki a finalist, and at every step I saw that he is an exemplary leader, collaborator, and communicator.

A few of the impactful curriculum changes that I voted for were Illustrative Math in grades K-6, ARC Core reading curriculum in grades 3-5 this year, with K-2 planned for next year, and Innovation Pathways and Dual Enrollment options at RMHS.

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

Three years ago, I offered my services to the town of Reading based on my background in
education, proven dedication and leadership skills. As a former special educator and
administrator, I have brought a unique perspective to the committee. My commitment to
Reading is unwavering, and I remain actively involved as a volunteer and as a Realtor. My
firsthand experience as a parent with children in three different levels of Reading Public Schools
has provided me with valuable insight and a strong connection with other parents, and this
informs my input and feedback as a SC member.

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

As a School Committee member, I commit to continue to: listen to and learn from others, work
collaboratively and respectfully with my fellow committee members and district leaders to see
our schools thrive, put the students of Reading first, and ensure that all students feel safe,
supported and challenged in our schools.