Photo Credit: Victoria Dosch
I’m Kate Schmeckpeper—an attorney, an active member of the Marblehead Public Schools community, and a mother of four. I’m running for a seat on the School Committee and would be honored to earn your vote on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Great schools brought my family to Marblehead, and I’ve been committed to supporting and strengthening our public schools through volunteer work and advocacy. After a turbulent few years, we need new school committee members who will focus on fostering stability and rebuilding confidence in school district leadership.
I believe good governance is key to earning back trust and ensuring the long-term success of our schools. If elected, I will lead by example, practice fiscal responsibility, and prioritize students and teachers over petty politics.
Let’s celebrate the many great things happening in our district while working together to tackle challenges head-on. Through open communication and consensus building, we can create a stronger, more united school community.
In 2014 my husband, Erik Weibust, and I moved our family to Marblehead. As a resident, I have focused my volunteerism on the schools and related causes, including serving on the boards of the Coffin Gerry, Village, and Brown School PTOs, and co-chairing the successful Vote Yes for MHD Kids campaign, which secured funding for the construction of the Brown School. I am a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and Northeastern University School of Law. Learn More »
I am running for school committee because I believe we need school committee members who are committed to good governance. Good governance is the foundation of a successful school system. When dysfunction creeps into governance practices and the school committee, it affects delivery of education in our classrooms, our ability to attract and retain high quality teachers and administrators, effective maintenance of our facilities, and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Learn More>>
““Kate’s unwavering support for our schools was evident during the Brown School feasibility study and construction project. I have no doubt that she will bring the focused energy, dedication, and practical sensibility needed on our School Committee to navigate the critical challenges ahead for our district.””
I believe voters deserve a clear understanding of where I stand on the issues that matter most to our school district. In the blog posts below—and those I’ll publish leading up to Election Day—I’ll share my perspectives and positions for your consideration. Add your info to my mailing list to receive updates as they are available.
This spring, public attention has focused on the school committee’s request for additional funds to fix the High School roof. Meanwhile, there’s been little scrutiny of the proposed FY26 MPS operating budget. Is this because we’re not currently facing a four-alarm budget shortfall or general operating override request?
Last year’s teacher strike in Marblehead was painful for everyone—students, educators, families, and district leaders alike. It wasn’t just a contract dispute. It was a reflection of broken trust, strained communication, and a disconnect between those tasked with running our schools and those at the heart of teaching and learning. The path forward is to shift the question from “What went wrong?” to “How do we heal?”
Since the summer of 2023, the school committee’s policy subcommittee has met only sporadically – averaging about once every six months – and those meetings have focused almost exclusively on policies regulating flags and recess in the Marblehead Public Schools. This represents two missteps…
I am committed to facing our challenges head-on with respectful, constructive dialogue, consensus building rather than finger-pointing, and decisions that prioritize meeting the needs of Marblehead students.
““We’ve seen firsthand how much Kate cares about our schools and our community. Whether it’s assisting with events like the STEAM Fair, serving as the cookie mom for three Girl Scout troops, or always stepping up when help is needed.
As parents of four, we appreciate her dedication and understanding of what our schools need. We know she’ll be a strong voice on the School Committee, and we’re proud to support her.””