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.

About Me

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 »

My Platform: Good Governance

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.””
— David Harris, Jr.

My Take On The Issues

I believe voters deserve a clear understanding of where I stand on the issues that matter most to our school district. Here are a few perspectives and positions for your consideration. Add your info to my mailing list to receive updates as they are available.

 
Featured
Beyond Proclamations

Last Thursday, the school committee passed a proclamation denouncing antisemitic curriculum materials published by the Massachusetts Teachers Association in 2023. I would have voted in favor of the proclamation—antisemitism has no place in our classrooms, our curriculum, or our community. I’ve heard directly from Jewish family and friends about the fear and pain it causes, and we must stand against it at every opportunity.

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Recess Policy: Fair Play Starts with Educators' Input

In recent weeks, the school committee has begun discussing a draft recess policy brought forward by Alison Taylor, three years after she ran for office on this issue. The draft policy mandates two daily recess periods for elementary students—35 minutes total. The problem? Educators weren’t meaningfully included in the policy’s development.

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Good Governance Means Being Accountable for Mistakes

At next week’s Town Meeting, the school committee is expected to seek an $8.6 million debt exclusion override to fund roof repairs and HVAC equipment at Marblehead High School. This work is necessary to fix significant leaks in the high school roof that have been worsening over the past five years. It is important that this project be done properly and not delayed any further. However, after a separate $5 million override in 2022 to fund roof repairs at the high school, voters have legitimate questions about why additional funding is necessary and why this critical project has been delayed.

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SC Fiscal Management: Tracking the Actuals

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? 

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Repairing Relationships, Rebuilding Trust

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?”

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Foundational Policy Work, Not Hot Button Issues

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…

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Photo Credit: Victoria Dosch

““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.””
— Seth and Kristine Gummere