Patch Candidate Profiles: Gargi Cooper, Swampscott School Committee

SWAMPSCOTT, MA – When you vote on April 25, at the annual town election, know your candidates. Patch is putting together these Q&As for those running for seats on the Swampscott School Committee.

Name, as it will appear on the ballot: Gargi B. Cooper

Age: 41

Hometown: Montrose, NY

Position running for: School Committee

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Masters of Science in Nursing (Massachusetts General Hospital IHP)

Work history: Family Nurse practitioner; Manager of the Medical Outreach Program of Greater Lynn (4 years), Adjunct Clinical Faculty Simmons College (6 years) formerly at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless program (12 years)

Volunteer history: current School Board member (2014-2107), Former PTA president Hadley school (3 yrs), long time Hadley PTA volunteer running family/social event and Chair for 3 auctions (10 years) Town meeting member for precinct 2 for 4 years. Girl scout leader (6 years) SYSA youth soccer coach (5 years) Safety Director Swamspcott Youth Soccer Board. Liaison to Renewable Energy Committee (since 2014)

Have you run before? If so, when?: Yes 2014, running for second term

Why did you decide to run?: I am proud of the work we have accomplished on creating a transparent budget and collaborating with the town boards to improve efficiencies. The Swampscott school district has had a large amount of turnover the past 10 years which has caused the district to lose traction on initiatives such as a technology plan and failing facilities. I am running again to ensure that our committee continues to move our district forward with the goal of continuous improvement in our schools to provide the best education for our students.

What do you hope to accomplish in this position?: For the first time in years our town government and school department have now developed a collaborative relationship which will continue to strengthen Swampscott’s infrastructure and improve efficiencies. However there is still work to be done as our district needs to begin to build and replace our aging schools and develop a technology plan for our district to help prepare our Swampscott student to become global learners. With the knowledge I have gained these passed 3 years on our board I would like to continue to work on bringing these much needed initiatives to completion.

What should constituents know about you?: I am hard working, conscientious, goal oriented, efficient and a long term planner. I believe in standardizing processes and decreasing inefficiencies. I am honored to have had a voice in representing our schools community these past 3 years and I look forward to having the opportunity to continue my service as a Swampscott School Committee member. I hope to have your vote on April 25.

Image via Gargi Cooper