Candidate Statements: School Committee

Erik Baumann

Members of the Fairhaven Community and Fellow Readers of the Fairhaven Neighborhood News, 

My name is Erik Baumann and I am requesting your support to represent a seat on the Town of Fairhaven’s School Committee. I am running because I want to serve the community that my family and I are so fortunate to be a part of and because ensuring access to a quality education is fundamental to our town, state, and country. 

I have spent my career empowering students to define success and happiness on their terms. Education can change the world and my experiences working and collaborating with teachers, administrators, parents, and students to develop pathways to higher education have given me a unique perspective. Now, with two children enrolled in the Fairhaven Public Schools, I want to serve and help ensure that all students in Fairhaven have access to a world-class education.  

When I think about what makes any community great, it is my belief that it begins with its citizens and their commitment to education, formal and otherwise. When we learn, we become stronger. When we communicate and work together, we become more connected. And when we face challenges with facts, data, and good policy, we improve our community.  

I am not running to attack, decry, criticize, or condemn. I want to bring my knowledge and experience to the table and help develop policies and procedures that will give every student in Fairhaven the education they deserve. 

If elected I will endeavor to work in concert with school administration, teachers, fellow school committee members, and you, the Fairhaven community, to ensure: 

• a fully funded school budget that prioritizes students, faculty, and staff to have the tools and resources they need to succeed

• citizenship and community are cornerstones of a Fairhaven education

• barriers to student success are identified and addressed by the community

• a learning environment that helps students understand, ask questions, and think critically about the world around them

My family and I have been fortunate to build a life here in this amazing town. As Fairhaven faces the financial, social, and environmental challenges ahead of us, it is my hope that we can come together to use data driven policies to make Fairhaven, the place we all call home, better. 

I look forward to meeting and discussing the issues with all of you because together we can build a brighter future for our children and our community. 

Thank you for your consideration. 

Erik Baumann, Candidate for Fairhaven School Committee  

 

Nicole Pacheco

Fellow Fairhaven Residents,

My name is Nicole Pacheco, and I’m running to retain my position on the Fairhaven School Committee. I was appointed to this board in November after interviewing along with four other candidates applying for the position. I would love to continue the work I’ve started in getting our children the best education experience we can provide. By bringing together teachers, parents, staff, and the community, we can continue the momentum of a school system that works for everyone.

I have three children, and next school year, they will be in high school, middle school, and preschool; to say that I am invested in the direction of education in our town is an understatement. I also have the experience of being a student at FPS myself from kindergarten to high school graduation. I had a fantastic experience and opportunities that prepared me for college and beyond, and I want that and more for ALL Fairhaven students.

Issues that are important to me include continuing to provide valuable resources to students and their families, collaborating with teachers, and keeping on with our work to make our schools safe.

I was home with my daughters during COVID-19 and understood the toll it took on them — the isolation and disruption of their schedules. Even though the immediate health crisis is over, we still need to support our students to get them back on track with learning and social-emotional development. I will work to strengthen and expand how we support our students in need through our schools, the Family Center, and the programs they offer, and will continue to assess how we can better help serve our students’ needs.

My aunt was a teacher at several Fairhaven elementary schools, and I saw how much she truly loved her job. I see so much of that passion in our teachers today. I sit on a school subcommittee that allows me to meet with teachers and hear their ideas for supporting and expanding programs for all students. I plan to listen and advocate for what’s needed to retain our teachers with that passion and support bringing their fresh ideas to our district.

I have seen firsthand how well our schools and administrators work with our first responders, and when I send my children to school, I believe they will return to me safely at the end of each day. I do not take that for granted and realize it is because of such a strong relationship between our schools and the Fairhaven Police and Fire depart­ments. I am confident in their plans to keep our kids safe.

That’s why I’m running to retain my position, and I would be honored to have your support on April 1st. I believe in the work being done and want to continue that for our kids. 

You can contact me or find more information on my website: PachecoforFairhaven.com.

 

Colin Veitch

Hello, my name is Colin Veitch, and I have been fortunate to have enjoyed your trust and confidence for many years by serving our town on the School Committee.

I have lived and worked in Fairhaven for almost 30 years with four children who recently completed their educational careers in our system. 

Our ability to work together for the common good on annual budgets and capital improvement projects is key to our success as a town and our committee.

After a long period of relative stability our committee has been going through a transition as experienced members have moved on to other roles. We have benefitted from our new members with their fresh perspective and eagerness to learn. Given our current challenges I feel it is important to maintain a mix of experience and new passion on the committee for the next three years as new members become experienced ones. This is a complicated role and requires time and deep knowledge of the issues to maximize the contribution of all six of us. The budget constraints now and forecasted for the near future require experience and a collaborative work ethic. I bring both qualities to the work of our School Committee. Our town is not alone and this is not the first time we have been here. There are ways to make this work for everyone and still benefit our children with the education they deserve.

I would like to take a few moments to call out some successes over the last few years, despite the headwinds.  

We were one of the 5% of districts that were recently awarded the AP Access Award at the State House for expanding AP Exams to a more diverse population of students. 

We also scored among the top ten for AP score success among the SouthCoast. 

The Family Center at the middle school has been an important addition to the services offered to support students and their families, particularly those most in need. It is a sad reality that not all of our students have daily access to a bed to sleep in or a hot meal. Children need the basics in life in order to be ready to learn and become successful adults. 

We have made significant achievements in increasing grant funding across several programs. Increasing grant funding allows for more services for our children without additional burden to the tax payer.

My work life is centered around providing quality products and excellent service. I have always applied that same work ethic to my time in service to our town. 

My role as a father has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and to have the chance to extend my involvement in my children’s lives in this way has been an amazing addition.

Please vote for me on April 1st. It would be an honor to continue to serve.

Thank you. 

 

SC: Unexpired One-Year Term

Brendalee Smith

My name is Brendalee Smith, and I am running unopposed for the 1-year seat on the Fairhaven School Committee.  It is an honor to serve our community as an advocate for collaborative com­mu­ni­ca­tion, academic growth, and budgetary responsibility. I am confident as we work together for the betterment of our students, we will cultivate a process of change that builds a bridge from ordinary to exceptional!

Together with parents, students, and educators we can facilitate a momentum of learning proficiency through:

• Understanding preferred learning styles to maximize hands-on academics, build self-confidence, and enhance decision making.

• Student surveys that measure social anxiety and self-assurance.

• Improve student achievements through strength-based coaching and mentoring programs with business owners, professionals, and leaders in our community.

• Connect learning in the classroom to practical life skills through student led volunteer opportunities.

• Curriculum that propels students to achievements beyond the classroom.

• Safe and supportive learning environments that instill a sense of security.

• An ample number of educators that are the best and brightest in their field.

• Provide ongoing professional development specific to classroom strengths and challenges. 

• Competitive compensation.

My background and experience:

• Founder, President, and CEO: Proven record for success in the development of global patented technology revolutionizing the delivery and quality of liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. Extensive knowledge in building strong relationships, work teams, corporate budgeting, and project management methodologies. 

• Director of Community Development: Skilled in managing and developing staffing in the design, development, and delivery of individualized solutions for strength-based wellness programs for individuals affected by homelessness. Committed to providing support and resources of appropriate care to prevent and end homelessness in our communities. 

• Founder of Preventative Education Solutions: Broad knowledge of education methods specific to a range of learning styles. Designed, developed, and executed comprehensive safeguard tools with focus on vulnerable in-person and online communications for students in Kindergarten–College with an emphasis on reducing acts of aggression on our students. 

• Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Coordinator: Provided and managed resources and training for CSEC protocols to MDT partners, RI School Superintendents and Principals, and School Resource Officers. Coordinated and maintained operational relation­ships with the Attorney General’s Office, RI State Police, FBI, Homeland Security, Law Enforce­ment, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, social service agencies and academic institutions.

With all of my combined experience and love for education, I know my skills and qualifications are an ideal match to an outstanding committee. I currently serve on Town Meeting and the Charter Commission. 

The best part of my life are my four incredible children and three beautiful grandchildren who reside all around the United States. They are genuine adventurers and pioneers! I am overjoyed that they have all taken courageous efforts to become their best selves.

Fairhaven is filled with generations of extraordinary people who work hard, are self-reliant and are devoted to their family and friends. I cannot think of a more rewarding opportunity than to replicate these values as a member of our school committee!

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