This month, Andover News is publishing profiles of the candidates running for select board and school committee in the 2024 Andover Town Election on March 26 to help voters make decisions. You can also view all Andover News election coverage.
Responses are from a questionnaire sent to all candidates in February and, in some cases, have been edited for length and clarity. Today’s profile is from Lauren Diffenbach, who is one of five candidates running for two open seats on the school committee.
All Andover News coverage of the town election on March 26 will be available free to non-subscribers as a service to Andover voters. Please consider supporting local news by subscribing to Andover News.
The Basics
Family: Mother of two sons ages 7 and 4.
Education: Master of Education, Reading and Literacy
Occupation: Stay at home mom and volunteer. Former educator. I’m a licensed all subjects elementary teacher. I also hold an all levels Reading Specialist license and an English as a Second Language license. I have 17 years of teaching experience.
Previous Candidate Profiles
- Ellen Keller, select board
- Ellen Townson, select board
- George Thorlin, select board
- Shauna Murray, school committee
- Lauren Diffenbach, school committee
Qualifications for Office
What prompted you to run for elect office?
I’m passionate about education and hope to get a chance at making a difference in the school system in which my children attend.
On the Issues
What are the most important issues facing Andover Public Schools that the school committee will need to address in the next three-year term?
The first priority is mending relationships and building trust with the teachers and community members. As a community we have faced significant challenges this past year. Emotions continue to run high as evidenced in the recent School Committee meeting. As a parent, I am concerned about the impact this level of conflict is having on students. Building trust and repairing the fractured relationships between teachers, the School Committee, and the community is critical as we work to make Andover schools safe and supportive places that foster curiosity and learning.
There is a need to refocus efforts and examine how decisions impact students. Every decision the School Committee makes from class sizes to curriculum to allocation of funding, impacts our students. Part of prioritizing students is consistently engaging with teachers and parents who can provide invaluable insight on potential impacts.
Right now increased fiscal accountability is a priority as we work our way out of the budget deficit. Funding is not unlimited. We are all paying hefty taxes, yet our schools have a $2.7 million deficit. Making wiser decisions about where each dollar goes as we move forward will determine the future of our school system.
What other issues do you feel are important in this election and/or your specific race?
There is a need for increased transparency and more inclusive decision making within our school system. Factual and easy to understand summaries should be distributed regularly. Public input should be sought out in an accessible manner. Monthly School Committee newsletters highlighting current agenda items, expenditures, and upcoming topics paired with frequent informal surveys would be a cost effective way to gather input from all stakeholders.
What differentiates you from your opponents?
I’m a licensed all levels educator (Reading Specialist PreK-12) with extensive experience around inclusion of multilingual learners. Additionally, I have an expansive understanding of elementary and middle school educational needs after 17 years of working at a K-8 school.
What else should voters know about you and your campaign?
Bringing the perspective of an experienced educator into the School Committee has the potential to strengthen the efficacy of the team. As a parent to young children who will be in Andover schools for the next 14 years I am invested in the long term success of our school district.
I’m a mom with a hope to improve the school system in which my children attend. I see opportunities for positive changes and growth and I’m seeking a chance to make that happen.
Key Dates For The 2024 Town Election
The town election is scheduled for March 26. The last day to register to vote in the 2023 Andover election is March 16, 2023. You can register to vote online or by visiting the Town Clerk’s office.
March 16: Deadline to register to vote in the March 28 election.
March 26: Election Day. Polls open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. (completed mail-in ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on election day).
More election information from the Town of Andover.