Election 2025: Christine Monaco for School Committee

This article is a part of the Burlington Buzz Election 2025 Series, in which we profile each candidate for election. This year's election is on April 5, 2025, and our mission is to make it easy for all registered voters to vote by ensuring the community has access to information about the candidates and issues on the ballot. FULL LIST OF CANDIDATES AND POSITIONS UP FOR ELECTION

A far cry from the hot contest of two years ago, the election for School Committee this year so far has been quiet and uncontested. Christine Monaco and Melissa Massardo are running to remain in their seats for another three years, and they've got plenty of work to do in the upcoming term.

We chatted with Christine to learn what she feels she's contributed to the School Committee over the years and her priorities for the upcoming term.

Christine Monaco attended Merrimack College before earning her MBA from Northeastern University. She worked in the Burlington Public Schools for about ten years in various roles and later transitioned to the School Committee. Her deep interest in public education and a desire to enhance learning opportunities for students led her to run for the Committee, a position she has held for over two decades.

During her tenure, Monaco said she has also been a consistent advocate for curriculum improvements, notably pushing for Algebra 1 in eighth grade—an initiative she has championed for years and is finally becoming a reality. She has also advocated for more Advanced Placement (AP) courses and ensuring they maintain academic rigor and integrity.

Monaco said she has been proud of her role in major school building projects, including the construction of the new Memorial Elementary School and the renovation/addition of the Marshall Simonds Middle School. She currently supports the Fox Hill Elementary and Burlington High School building projects, as well, and holds these projects as a high priority for the upcoming term. It's essential, Monaco said, that the Committee work collaboratively to create a plan that earns broad support.

She also wants to improve academic resources, particularly in literacy programs, advocating for specialized reading programs such as Lindamood Bell and Wilson. Her goal is to ensure that students who need additional support in reading have access to structured interventions within the school system, rather than relying on costly outside services.

While the School Committee does not control the town’s finances, Monaco acknowledged resident concerns about the rising taxes that will inevitably come with new school buildings. She stressed the importance of communicating the long-term benefits of investing in quality school buildings rather than opting for the cheapest solutions, which may incur higher costs down the road. Additionally, she believes that more public education is needed to explain how the tax burden is distributed—pointing out that smaller, older homes will see smaller increases compared to larger properties. She is open to exploring assistance programs for residents who may struggle with tax increases.

Monaco said she's grateful for the support she has received from the community throughout her tenure. She remains committed to improving Burlington’s schools and asks for voters’ continued trust and support in the upcoming election.

Christine Monaco School Committee Facebook Page | Melissa Massardo's Candidate Profile

Christine Monaco and Melissa Massardo are running unopposed to retain their seats on the School Committee. Learn more about the School Committee, and visit our Election Corner for more information about the April 5, 2025, Burlington Town Election.