To help voters make decisions, Andover News is publishing profiles of candidates running in the 2025 Andover Town Election on March 25. 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 Shepleyn, a candidate running in a four-way race for two open seats on the school committee. It is Shepley’s second run for school committee.
The Basics
Education: AHS Class of ’24, attending UMass Lowell
Occupation: Student
Campaign Website: www.apsrenewal.com
Campaign Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/shepley4sc
What prompted you to run for elected office?
I ran for School Committee because Andover’s schools have been plagued by years of poor leadership, broken trust, and financial mismanagement. The 2023 teachers’ strike exposed just how badly the administration had failed, and since then, we’ve seen two years of budget deficits with more on the horizon. Yet, there’s still no real accountability, no transparency, and no serious plan to fix it. Andover deserves stronger leadership.
More about Christopher:
I’m proud to be a son of Andover and a product of our public schools. My family has been a staple of Andover for generations and I’m committed to helping improve it everyday. I love this town and have been actively involved, from serving on the Ballardvale Historic District Commission to engaging with residents on issues that matter. Andover has given me so much, and I’m committed to giving back by ensuring our schools are strong, transparent, and accountable to the people they serve.
On the Issues
What are the most important issues facing Andover that you will need to address if elected on March 25?
– Restoring Trust in Leadership: Parents and teachers are frustrated by a lack of transparency, especially after years of head scratching decisions by our School Committee. We need leadership that prioritizes open communication and sound decision-making.
– Addressing Ongoing Budget Deficits: For two years in a row, we’ve faced budget shortfalls with more projected, yet the administration has failed to provide a clear, responsible plan. Fiscal responsibility is critical to prevent future financial crises.
– Ensuring Academic Excellence: Andover should be a leader in education, but that requires real investment in a stronger curriculum, teacher support, and smart resource allocation. Academic performance must remain a top priority.
What are your thoughts on Andover’s comparative school performance? In what ways can it be improved?
Our community invests heavily in our schools, but we’ve been coasting on our reputation while performance lags. It’s time to get back to basics: strong academics, smart budgeting, and real accountability. We need to refocus on rigorous curriculum, better teacher support, and greater transparency to ensure Andover remains a leader in education.
Andover is considering a plan to upgrade Andover High School to extend its life until the Town is in a better position to apply for state aid to build a new school. Please outline your position on the AHS project.
I opposed the original $450 million AHS project because it would have decimated our bond rating, skyrocketed property taxes, and forced many seniors and fixed-income residents out of town. The overwhelming vote against 7A at the November 2023 Special Town Meeting showed residents agreed that it was simply too much. I supported 7B as a responsible interim solution to extend the life of AHS while positioning Andover for state aid on a full rebuild when our community is in a better financial position. Now, we need steady leadership on the School Committee to ensure this project delivers the best for students while keeping taxpayers protected.
Andover Public Schools is facing a $1.9 budget deficit — the second deficit in as many years. The school committee is considering a plan that cuts 19 FTEs and raises certain student fees. Please outline your position on the APS budget issue and the strategies proposed to close the deficit.
It’s unacceptable to cut teaching positions and raise student fees while central administration keeps growing, even as we face back-to-back budget deficits. The administration wants to eliminate 19 teaching positions and increase costs for families, yet they refuse to rein in their own spending.
Before we even think about cutting teachers, we need to reduce bloated consulting and legal fees, consolidate central administration, and account for every tax dollar spent in our school system.
Outline your views on class-size guidelines established by the school committee. If you advocate for smaller classes, what tradeoffs could APS make to fund it?
I believe the School Committee should reevaluate our current class-size guidelines to ensure students receive the best possible education while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Smaller class sizes can improve learning outcomes, but any changes must be strategic and financially sustainable. Instead of across-the-board reductions, we should prioritize the grade levels and subjects where smaller classes have the greatest impact. To fund this, APS should consider reallocating resources from administrative overhead, increasing classroom support staff, and optimizing spending to ensure every directly dollar benefits our students. A data-driven approach will help us make informed, effective decisions that balance student success with budget realities.
APS has had a 3.75 percent annual budget increase over the past ten years. Is that sustainable? What are your ideas to keep cost growth in line with revenue?
The current model isn’t sustainable. With a 3.75% annual increase outpacing the town’s 2.75% growth, we’re still facing deficits and tough financial decisions year after year. It’s time to take a hard look at our long-term financial plan and make necessary adjustments.
The School Committee must take a stronger role in scrutinizing the budget. I support implementing a line-by-line budget hearing, where the Superintendent and her team justify each expense to ensure resources are being used efficiently.
Beyond local efforts, state aid is a major issue. The Chapter 70 funding formula is broken, leaving municipalities like Andover to make up the difference with local tax dollars. I will lobby our state legislators to push for a fairer distribution of education funding, so Andover gets its fair share of state aid. Strong schools require smart fiscal planning and advocacy at every level.
On The Campaign Trail
If you are a candidate for reelection, highlight your biggest accomplishment(s) during the current term. If you are challenging an incumbent, highlight some of your professional and/or life experiences.
As a lifelong Andover resident, I’ve been actively involved in our community, working to bring accountability, transparency, and smart fiscal management to local government. I graduated from the Andover Leadership Academy in Fall 2024, deepening my understanding of town government, municipal finance, and community leadership.
I’ve attended countless School Committee meetings, engaging directly with parents, teachers, and taxpayers to advocate for responsible decision-making. I also serve on the Ballardvale Historic District Commission, working to balance preservation with practical town planning. Andover needs leaders who listen, push for real reforms, and put students first, and that’s exactly what I’ll do on the School Committee.
What differentiates you from your opponent(s)?
I’m the only candidate who has attended Andover Public Schools, and my recent experience in our classrooms gives me a unique perspective on what works and what doesn’t. While my incumbent opponents vote on policies that affect students, I’ve lived through them. That’s the kind of insight and leadership we need on the School Committee.
Is there anything else you want Andover News readers to know about you and your campaign?
I’m running for Andover School Committee to empower our residents, promote fiscal responsibility, and bring academic excellence back to our schools. Parents, teachers, and taxpayers deserve clear leadership and responsible decision-making. I’d be honored to earn your vote on March 25.