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 Christopher Shepley, 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: Father Christopher E. Shepley, mother Grace Perry, younger sister Barbara
Education: Senior at AHS, attending UMass Lowell next fall
Previous Candidate Profiles
- Ellen Keller, select board
- Ellen Townson, select board
- George Thorlin, select board
- Shauna Murray, school committee
- Lauren Diffenbach, school committee
- Susan McCready, school committee
- Christopher Shepley, school committee
Qualifications for Office
What prompted you to run for elect office?
I wanted to run for School Committee after following the AHS Building proposal over the summer. I found the current School Committee to be very opaque and lacking transparency when it came to decision making. Furthermore, the teacher strike showed the lack of leadership present on the Committee. My campaign was born out of the idea to shake up the status quo and bring a new perspective to the table.
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 most important issues facing APS are: – Transparency and Accountability: Our School Committee and Administration have failed to lead effectively in the past. Andover Public Schools has been plagued with scandals, media circuses, and most recently an unprecedented teachers’ strike. On top of this, many citizens feel as though decisions are made behind closed doors and that their input is not valued. This needs to change. On day one of my term I will promote transparency, open up dialogue ask the tough questions, and push for a restructuring of the Administration so communication and expectations are clear. – Fiscal Responsibility: The School Budget has ballooned over the past years. Our taxpayers invest significantly into our school systems and the School Committee is in desperate need of someone who will fight for smart spending.
As a member of the Committee, I will be a financial watchdog for our town. My track record is clear; at the November 20th Special Town Meeting I stood up and spoke against the 450 Million dollar AHS proposal that would have raised taxes significantly and lowered our bond rating. In our time of soaring inflation and cost of living, Andover needs a prudent protector of our town’s fiscal health. – Renewing Academic Excellence: 20 years ago APS was ranked among the top 10 school districts in the entire Commonwealth. Today we don’t crack the top 25. Despite the massive investment our taxpayers make into our school system, we’re not seeing results. On the School Committee, I will put education back to the forefront by ditching outdated curricula, promoting collaboration between all stakeholders in APS during policy decisions, and holding the Superintendent to measurable benchmarks for student performance.”
What other issues do you feel are important in this election and/or your specific race?
This election is important for several reasons. Firstly, we must begin to rebuild and mend the relationship between our Administration and educators in Andover New blood and fresh faces are crucial to changing the status quo animosity and distrust between between the two groups. Secondly, we must have strong leadership that will oversee the improvements and renovations of AHS. The town sent a clear message by shooting down 7A while supporting 7B, so it is critical that the SC acts with the will of the people in mind.
What differentiates you from your opponents?
I am a truly independent candidate. As a political outsider, I am not beholden to any interest groups nor the omnipresent Andover political machine. I am also the only candidate who has personally been in the school system so recently. Growing up in the 21st century, I understand the importance of embracing innovation in education. Ultimately, My only concern is building a brighter future for our students and working for the best interest of this town.
What else should voters know about you and your campaign?
I am a born and raised Andover resident who has gone through Andover Public Schools since Kindergarten. My roots to this community run deep, my grandparents Ernest “Ernie” and Barbara Perry settling down and raising their family of 7 children in Andover over 50 years ago.
I believe Andover is in desperate need of new, fresh leadership. As a young person who has gone through Andover Public Schools so recently, I understand the areas that we thrive in and the areas we need to improve on. Furthermore, my experience as a collegiate ice hockey official has made me a fair and impartial leader; someone who isn’t afraid to make a hard call as long as it’s the right one.
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 26 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.