Kate Campbell

Email

katecampbellforschoolcommittee@gmail.com

Website and/or Social Media Links

katecampbellforschoolcommittee.com

KateforQuincy (Insta)

Cmte to Elect Kate Campbell (FB)

Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent QPS families at this time?  

I am running for Quincy School Committee because I care deeply about children. I believe I have the experience and skills to be a unifying voice that represents students, families, and teachers. I am the parent of recent QPS graduates and children currently enrolled in elementary school and have a broad, first-hand K-12 perspective. While co-president of the Quincy Citywide Parents’ Council I advocated for families across the entire district, collaborated with school PTOs, the Superintendent's Leadership Team, and the QEA teachers union, and I learned how the school committee functions. I am the director of an early learning center and have professional experience creating supportive learning environments, managing a staff of educators, and overseeing a budget. I am deeply connected to the Quincy Public Schools and am committed to ensuring QPS continues to succeed in the future.

What school and/or community activities do you participate in? 

Co-president, Quincy Citywide Parents’ Council (Citywide PTO) (2021- 2025); Executive Board member since 2015

Parent Representative, QPS DEI Director Hiring Committee (2022); QPS Superintendent Hiring Committee (2020); Central Middle School Principal Hiring Committee (2014)

Foster parent for the past 15 years

Member/Citywide Representative, Bernazzani School PTO (2012-2018)

Member, Quincy Special Education Advisory PAC (2012-2016)

Volunteer, QHS Senior Night Out; QHS Girls Soccer and Lacrosse Booster Clubs

Volunteer, previous local, state, and federal election campaigns

What do you believe is the purpose of public education? 

I strongly believe in the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) vision and goals that state the role of public education. These goals have guided me professionally as an educator, and resonate deeply with me because they focus on developing the whole child:

1. Attain academic knowledge and skills so they become curious and find joy in learning

2. Understand and value themselves in order to shape their path

3. Understand and value others so they can understand different perspectives and feel connected to their community and their own strengths

4. Understand and think critically about what is happening around them to be empowered to engage and advocate for equity, justice, and liberty in their role as a citizen

I believe these goals define what every child's school experience should be. If elected I will intentionally reflect upon this vision when making decisions that impact students, parents, and educators.

(Reference: DESE website https://www.doe.mass.edu/commissioner/vision/)

If elected, what will your top three priorities be for the Quincy Public Schools, and how will you implement them?  

1. Budget

The budget is a significant statement and reflection of our district's values, so there need to be intentional conversations about priorities. The 3% increase for next year's budget does not appear to adequately account for new enrollment and changing demographic needs. Additionally, we need to be aware of the potential impacts of the federal government's shift in priority away from public education and other threats to Quincy’s financial stability. I will engage the community and work collaboratively with the school committee, Superintendent’s Leadership Team (SLT), and teachers’ union (QEA) to find and advocate for creative solutions that are student and educator-focused.

2. School Climate (more specifically, bullying, students' social-emotional health, and community building)

Students require a safe and affirming learning environment to achieve their best. I will advocate for additional social-emotional learning and mental health programs and resources for students and parents. Effective communication helps build a stronger school-to-home connection which is key to fostering engagement and helping families feel supported. I will also make a commitment to improving transparency, inclusion, and communication between QPS leadership and the community.

3. Teacher Retention

Educators, specialists, and teaching assistants deserve to feel valued and to have the support they need to be successful and grow professionally. I am thrilled that a contract agreement has been reached between QPS and the QEA. I will advocate for the continued recruitment and retention of high quality teachers and specialists to meet the needs of our evolving student population.

If elected, what steps will you take to ensure responsiveness and clear communication between you and the Quincy community? 

I am committed to being accessible to, and engaging with, the community. I will stay connected and informed on the issues that impact students, families, and educators, and continue building my relationships with the school PTOs, Citywide PTO, QEA teachers union, and QPS Leadership Team.

If elected, what will you do to help students, and their families learn about civic participation and voting? 

I believe it is critical for families and students to build a culture and routine that values civic engagement. From an early age I knew the importance of voting before I understood all the politics connected to a candidate. My parents had a family ritual of always being first at the polls to vote; waking up early on election day became a special and significant part of our family culture.

I would like to research and learn more about QPS' current civics curriculum and offer continuous opportunities for families to engage throughout the year. An educational Parent Academy session on the importance of civic engagement, and community-based projects oriented towards civic engagement at each elementary school would be helpful in enhancing community participation.

There has been considerable public support for adding Lunar New Year to the school calendar as an official holiday, but the School Committee has voted against it for the third time in 2025. If you are elected and this proposal comes up for another vote, will you vote to add Lunar New Year as a school holiday?

Yes