Pierce

Judson Pierce, seeking reelection to the School Committee for a three-year term, describes himself this way: "I am passionate about our schools. I listen and respond to my constituents with respect and with an open mind.

"Our school district’s performance is my top priority. I have worked hard to fulfill my commitment to Arlington and have learned a great deal.

"My hope is that I may continue to serve our town as a member of the Arlington School Committee and my experience, heart and desire will greatly aid me in my work over the next three years."

The 40-year-old attorney who has lived in Arlington for 10 years sees the following as the greatest challenges ahead for our public schools:

"Adjustment to the new Common Core Curriculum and new teacher-evaluation system as well as facilities improvements at the Stratton Elementary School, Ottoson Middle School and Arlington High School."

Asked how he would address those challenges, he wrote in an email Feb. 15:

"By setting yearly goals and making sure we are meeting those goals. Including making sure that our educators are getting what they need in professional development and are participating fully in professional learning communities, and by making sure the resources are there for our children in terms of curriculum and technology."

He and his colleague, Kirsi Allison-Ampe, the current committee chair, the other incumbent, face a challenge from newcomer Michael Buckley, who has been profiled here >> 

Asked why he wants to win another term on the School Committee, Pierce writes directly: "To continue the work we have to make the Arlington Public Schools an even higher performing district."

Pierce is a product of public schools in Stoughton and Marblehead. His background in school issues dates to when he served in student government roles at Marblehead High School, including a year as an elected member to the Student Advisory Committee, which elected him chair. He is a frequent volunteer at Bishop, his children's school.

Elected to the School Committee in 2010, he cites three years of hard work. He has served as chair of the policies and procedures subcommittee each year, as well as secretary and vice chair of the full committee.

He has also served on the budget and community relations subcommittees, Legal Services Advisory Committee, Superintendent’s Diversity Advisory Committee and as liaison to the Special Education Parent Advisory Council and Thompson, Dallin and Peirce schools.

He has participated in town elections, town meetings and School Committee continuing education.

Pierce is a shareholder of the Salem law firm of Pierce, Pierce & Napolitano, where for 14 years he has concentrated his practice in representing injured workers.

Find out more at his campaign website >> 

His kickoff was held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at the home of Mary Cummings, 135 Jason St.

Snow makeup date is set for Wednesday, March 6, from 7-9 p.m.

LINKS:

2013 town election information (town website): Calendar || Candidates

This story was published Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, and updated Feb. 22. It is part of an ongoing series to provide basic information about key candidates in the April town election.

All major candidates for seats where there is competition have been sent a similar set of questions. Some where there is only an incumbent have been sent questions to renew their connection to the public.