Woburn Candidate Profile: Patricia Chisholm For School Committee

WOBURN, MA — With the Woburn Municipal Election scheduled for Nov. 7, Patch is profiling the candidates.

Here, we learn more about Patricia Chisolm, who is running for School Committee. Chisolm, who has served on the School Committee for 23 years, is among seven candidates running for five open seats on the seven-person committee.

Also running are fellow incumbents Andrew Lipsett and Ellen Crowley, and challengers James Austin, Marie Dellagrotte, Meaghan Morris and Jessie Wetzel.

The five winners will serve two-year terms. Meanwhile, Michael Mulrenan and Colleen Cormier were elected to four-year terms in 2021.

Chisolm is a medical records coordinator for a doctor's office.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Name

Patricia Chisholm

How old will you be on Election Day?

I will be 66

What city or town do you live in?

Woburn

What office are you seeking?

School Committee

Please give us your party affiliation

Independent

Education

Associates from Middlesex Community College

Occupation
Medical records coordinator for a doctor’s office. I also provide daycare for my granddaughter.

Family

I have four grown children and three beautiful granddaughters. Two of whom attend Woburn public schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I have two relatives employed by the City of Woburn.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointed or elective?

I have proudly served on the Woburn School Committee for 23 years.

Why are you seeking this office?

I feel strongly that there is a need for experience at the table. I have been a very active and positive
contributor to the schools for 23 years. Two of our veteran members are stepping down and I believe that knowledge of the committee’s rules and responsibilities will be needed by the new board members.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Open communication is one. The public needs to be heard and we all need to take the time to listen. Working with all of our staff, parents and caregivers, residents and our students to hear what they feel is important and needed. Hopefully, we can continue to make attending our meetings easier — even if it is just by tuning in from home.

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

I have experience and working knowledge of the committee. Also, I am a lifetime resident of this
city and I care dearly that our students receive what they need to be successful. The board is made up of 7 individuals, and that is helpful to hear the thoughts and opinions of all of them.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I am running for 1 of the 5 seats. One of which I have held.

What issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I intend to address that we need to be open-minded and listen to all stakeholders. WPS (as well as the world) has had some tough hurdles to meet while we are trying to bring all of the students to a level that they need to attain since the shutdown of COVID. The social and emotional needs of many of our students are still present and we need to continue to support them. Time out of a classroom is tough to recapture.

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

I have been a member for 23 years. I was elected as chairperson twice. I have been on many of the
subcommittees. I have only missed a meeting when my husband passed away. I take my position on the committee seriously.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The late Carl Torrice, who I was lucky enough to have served with, told me at my first meeting: “we may argue and have different thoughts and opinions but when we leave here — we leave all that behind. Never take it home to your family."

He was one remarkable man who gave a lot to Woburn.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you and your positions?

I feel strongly that there is a need for experience at the table and I have been a very active and positive contributor for 23 years. Two of our veteran members are stepping down and I believe that knowledge of the committee’s rules and responsibilities will be needed to assist our new board members and I believe I can be an asset in this regard.