Candidate Profile: Michael Mulrenan For Woburn School Committee

WOBURN, MA — Woburn will have a number of contested races in the Nov. 2 municipal election, including a six-candidate race for five seats on the School Committee.

Woburn Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Michael Mulrenan is one of six candidates for five seats on the Woburn School Committee. He faces fellow incumbents Patricia Chisholm, Colleen Cormier, Christopher Kisiel and Andrew Lipsett as well as challenger Shaun O'Keeffe.

Mulrenan is a Woburn firefighter EMT and has sat on the School Committee since 1997.

Are you running for office in Woburn? Contact Christopher Huffaker at chris.huffaker@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Woburn Patch.

Previously on Patch: Woburn Election Guide: When And Where To Vote, Who's Running

Michael Mulrenan

Age (as of Election Day)

64

Position Sought

Woburn School Committee

Family

Stacie Mulrenan (wife)
Leah Mulrenan (daughter)
Andres Cuartas (son in law)
Oliver (grandson)
2 dogs- Franklin (Golden) Tim (Mixed-breed Rescue)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am currently a proud Woburn Firefighter. No family working in politics or government.

Education

High School Education (Woburn High Class of 1975), College credits from Middlesex Community College

Occupation

Woburn Firefighter EMT - 32 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Woburn School Committee

Campaign website

Michael Mulrenan for Woburn School Committee Facebook

Why are you seeking elective office?

Over the years, I have seen many positive changes to Woburn Public Schools, and working with the committee, I want to continue creating more positive change work to address building needs, evolving curriculum, increased cultural & racial diversity among students and staff, improve programs, advocate for budget needs.

I support the superintendent's strategic plan and mission statement, which is evolving continually. I encourage others to read it on the Woburn Public Schools website (https://www.woburnpublicschools.com/district-information/strategic-plan).

I want to remain visible and accessible to the community and listen to the needs as presented. I will stay involved in other areas outside of the school setting and continue to build strong community partnerships.

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

The single most pressing issue has to be addressing the pandemic. I intend to continue to work with the district, city, and other stakeholders. I will listen to the experts, following practices and protocols that keep our students, staff, and their families safe.

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

I feel what sets me apart is that I am regularly visible and available to students and staff, I am always able to take real feedback and examples of the work, and the needs of the Woburn School community to our School Committee Meetings. He consistently recognizes the hard work of our students and staff. I enjoy supporting the many programs in Woburn. I will continue to attend events, visit schools and programs, and participate in meetings. If you follow me on social media, you probably may have noticed, I’m always somewhere. You will find me in the crowd at band competitions, swim meets, plays, and many, many more events. I was proud to attend and excited to learn from Woburn students at the Juneteenth event this year and the recent years’ Pride flag raising and celebration. On most weekends, you’ll see my motorhome at City Hall supporting the weekly car wash. I have been a regular participant in SEPAC meetings, and a long supporter of Best Buddies programs.

I feel that hopefully the voters will agree that my experience and longevity serving on the school committee makes me a good candidate for re-election. I will always continue to do my best to keep the district moving forward in these changing times and meet the needs of the students, staff and families of Woburn.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

This question does not apply here with the current school committee. We as a committee have been working together with our many stakeholders to do our best for the district. If I am honored to be re-elected this practice will continue moving into 2022.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Overall I feel Woburn did a great job with COVID. It was an unprecedented time, not just for Woburn. I feel Woburn received and used all funding available. And funding were put to good use in many ways.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

What’s most important to me is being visible and transparent. I am always willing to listen.

Over my years, I have helped parents, students, and faculty, using my ability to direct people to the people and resources to address each issue. By being involved, asking questions, and listening, I gather information about the resources that we have available in Woburn. When a concern is brought to my attention, if I do not have an answer or solution, I will always try to help find the next step, or someone who can help.

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

I have served on the Woburn School Committee since 1997. Many things have changed over the years - new technology, new buildings, new families, to name a few - and throughout, I have always prioritized listening and learning. I have, and will continue, to learn from our community, and do my best to help support the great work of all of the Woburn Schools.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“It's Nice to be Nice” is what my Dad, Bill Mulrenan, always preached, and I believe he followed, until his death. Those words have been with me, my 6 siblings, and hopefully many others, to follow each day.

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

As a lifelong Woburn resident, USMC Veteran, Woburn firefighter, husband, father, father in law and very proud grandfather, I have been truly dedicated to this great city in many ways over the years. If re-elected, I will continue working with, and learning from, all the stakeholders to move the district forward meeting the needs of students, staff and families.

I will remain visible and accessible to all, and do my best to address needs as they come to me. I would like to continue with the school building plan and work towards equity across the district.
To me being involved “Never gets old”

I am happy to accept the challenges ahead, and will remain dedicated and devoted if the voters honor me with that opportunity and re-elect me to the Woburn School Committee on Nov 2.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.