Waltham Candidate Profile: John Graceffa, School Committee

WALTHAM, MA — Waltham will have several contested races in this fall's election, including three seats for Waltham School Committee. Waltham Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

John Graceffa,70, faces off against incumbents Margaret Donnelly and Edmond Tarallo. Jane Gately and Marissa Diamond are new faces running for the three seats up for grabs.

The Waltham School Committee consists of six members chosen at large by ballot from the registered voters of Waltham and the mayor who serves as chair. The term of office is four years and the votes are staggered.

The next three School Committee seats will be up for School Committee election 2021.

Graceffa was born and raised in Waltham attending Waltham schools and then he and his wife Judy sent their three sons through the public school system as well. All three then went on to graduate from college. Graceffa got his bachelors from Springfield College and he went on to get his masters in education there. He's spend more than 45 years in education he told Patch. He's currently serving his second term on the Waltham School Committee.

He took some time recently to answer a few questions we sent him. His answers have not been edited.

Previously: Waltham Elections 2019: Here's Who Is Running

Are you running for office in Waltham? Contact Jenna Fisher at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Waltham Patch.

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

Besides the process of building the new High School, increasing enrollment of our elementary and middle schools and providing the necessary space needed to address the enrollment increases. I intend to first instill in our educational leaders to be sure to welcome our new students and their families, advocate for increases in staffing to meet the growing population and keep our teacher to student ratios at acceptable and equitable levels, advocate any new programs or new staff to meet the needs of any students with disabilities as well as new programs for our English Language Learners, and finally ensure all students have an equitable academic environment to meet their social, academic and emotional needs.

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

My educational experience over 45 years as an educator and still actively working as a school administrator. Also my experience as Principal Of Waltham High School for 23 years in which I was responsible for over 1500 students, over 200 staff. Responsible for curriculum, hiring and dismissing teachers, budget responsibilities, meeting state mandates to ensure our students with disabilities are receiving services, and developing curriculum for our ELL students. These experiences have awarded me an understanding of what it takes to move and advance our schools

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency) if you are an incumbent, what's still on your to-do list?

Build a new high school, Find a new location for a growing Dual Language school, addressing the increase in our middle school populations, curriculum development for our ELL students, providing equity for all students, supporting the educational plan for the high school as well as supporting the district strategic plan for all our schools.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

equity in our schools and for all students, acceptable class sizes, advocating for new programs of inclusion for our students with disabilities and our Ell students, promoting student achievement for all students with the emphasis on ALL.

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

My experiences as an educational leader in Waltham and my successes. I have devoted my life to education and to be an advocate for all students. I have served many roles with the youth of Waltham as a teacher, high school and youth coach of many sports, and as a principal.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

When making a decision listen to all involved

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

I am committed to the task, I am knowledgeable in pedagogy, I have acquired a wealth of experience, and I am still working with young people. I am fiscally responsible. I will always make decisions on what I feel is in the best interests of our students

Your social media info (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)

@jbgraceffa Facebook Re-elect John Graceffa /john Graceffa

My favorite aspect of this city is...

our people and their constant generosity to those in need

What's your take on all the developments in the city?

As we consider these developments, as a school committee member, we need to be cognizant of the effect the development has on our schools such as increased enrollments, classroom space, staffing and be sure we have the resources to address these issues

More on Waltham Elections:

• Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy Announces She Will Run
• Possible Challenge To McCarthy's Run For Waltham Mayor
• Councilor Diane LeBlanc Hints At Run For Mayor
• Waltham Councilor Diane LeBlanc Announces She Will Run
• Waltham Election Calendar: What To Know About Election Season
• Column: Why I'm Running For City Waltham City Councilor At Large
• Don Desrochers Announces Campaign for City Council Seat

Here are a few Waltham Patch Candidate Profiles:

• Heather May - Ward 2
• Sean Durkee - Ward 6
• Robert Logan - Ward 9
• Colleen Bradley-MacArthur - At Large City Council
• Steve Lydon - At Large
• Marisa Diamond - School Committee
• Jeannette McCarthy- Mayor
• Diane LeBlanc- Mayor
• Tom Stanley, At Large City Councilor