WORCESTER – As the Worcester municipal election day looms, the Worcester Guardian reached out to candidates in contested races. Asking each a set of questions, the Guardian publishes these responses through voting day (Nov. 7).
Mailman is running for Worcester school committee member at large as a democrat.
Mailman, 61, has worked at her family’s business, Coghlin Electrical Contractors, for 40 years. She is married and has six stepchildren and four grandchildren. Mailman’s son Jeff died in 2007 at the age of 21. Mailman said she is privileged to serve on many boards related to education including QCC, and as the general chair of advisory at Worcester Tech and the state Apprenticeship Advisory Council. “I’ve supported young people in their quests for good jobs and community engagement,” she said. “Our schools can be a shining example of public education and my experience can help.”
The following are Mailman’s responses to the Guardian’s questionnaire:
What inspired you to run (again) and what makes you the right person for the job?
I ran in 2021 because I was concerned with the districts’ leadership. Thankfully, the past school committee finally acted and a new superintendent search was launched. We hired Dr. [Rachel] Monarrez and it has inspired hope in me and many others that we can achieve great things in Worcester. We have a lot to clean up and I know my career and community experience will be helpful at a time when we will have a lot of new members and a new leader.
What are, or should be, the top priorities at this time for the school committee?
Improving student achievement, mental health supports, diversifying our workforce and leading a culture of change are current work activities of the district. We have incredible building maintenance needs; this is a major priority and will take every level of government and private partnership to begin to make an impact. Possibilities such as Senator [Ed] Markey and Representative [Jamaal] Bowman’s federal investment plan for a green new deal for public schools, which calls for $1.6 trillion dollars to transform our public school system, is the kind of big significant change that would be required to level the field of our infrastructure in Worcester.
Where do you think the school committee has been failing, or coming up short?
We have fallen short as a district in several areas over many years, including student achievement, broader opportunities for students and community and family engagement. We have invested millions of dollars in new schools to offer expanded Chapter 74 offerings and now, in my opinion, we have the responsibility to make sure those programs are as impactful as those in a traditional vocational school. Our vocational school has to stay at the leading edge of innovation and grow the next generation of trade teachers and to think creatively about how to expand that workforce.
How would you describe the Worcester Public Schools to an out-of-towner?
I would let new residents know that our school system is a place of hope, its beauty is its diversity of families and students. We have hundreds of dedicated professionals that are working to create a top notch school system. We have hired a great leader who builds teams and creates community partnership and that can and should be a model for the next leader after her. All levels of our system need to be working on the next generation whether it’s teachers, para educators, guidance professionals, bus drivers or maintenance people. A positive culture and spirit of teamwork can make a huge difference. People want to work where there is opportunity.
Who was your favorite teacher, and what made this person so inspiring to you?
My favorite teacher was Amy O’Leary – she was a history teacher – she challenged us to read more and engage in thinking and speaking to defend our views. She inspired me to be engaged civically at a young age.
What’s the best piece of advice a relative (mom, dad, grandparent, etc.) ever gave you?
The best piece of advice that I received was from a long time general manager who worked for my company. His advice was to do your best during a challenge with a co-worker or customer or vendor or a family member…to not respond with anger…to let a situation sit for a day and come to the table to resolve the following day. Time allows for reason to support the emotional!
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading a few books, which I find is a very inefficient way to read. I’m reading “School House Burning and the Assault on American Democracy” by Derek Black and “Demon,” which is about a drug overdose in the mountains of Appalachia and his tale of survival. Lastly, I just started a book by local author Kristin Waters titled “Maria Stewart and the Roots of Black Political Thought.” I serve on the NAACP board with Kristin and I am intrigued with her work.
What would you tell the 15-year-old you?
That overall, life is good and people are kind, and to surround yourself with people who are kind and supportive and also to be kind and supportive toward others. Don’t complicate things, others will do that for you. Simplify whenever possible.
Contact Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
