In alphabetical order: Katie Arrington, Martha Driscoll Cesarz, John Giantis
Tell us about yourself and your background.
Katie Arrington: My name is Katie Arrington. I grew up in Swampscott, as did my husband Dan. I graduated from Swampscott High School and attended North Shore Community College and Salem State University. I am employed at E. Amanti & Sons, Inc. in Salem. We moved back to Swampscott in August 2015.
A fun fact about me. My family loves road trips. We are looking forward to our upcoming summer vacation this August. We are headed to North Carolina to visit colleges for our oldest, cheer on the Durham Bulls, visit battlefields (my husband is a huge history buff), and explore different hiking trails! We will wrap up the trip enjoying some beach time on the Outer Banks!
Martha Driscoll Cesarz: I was born and educated in Lynn, MA. In 1966 I moved to Swampscott as a teenager with my family and have remained a resident of Swampscott ever since. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts, I began teaching at the Stanley School in Swampscott and became principal. My husband and I bought a house in Swampscott and raised our children, Libby and Joe, on King Street. I have worked in public and private schools and at the college level over the years. Presently, I am more or less retired, looking for a way to give back to the Town. I love to spend time with my family, read, knit, cook, and walk my dog, Jack.
John Giantis: I’m a six-year member of the Swampscott School Committee. I currently serve as an in-house financial crimes attorney at State Street Bank and Trust Company and previously worked at the U.S. Department of Treasury in a variety of policy and bank supervision roles. I also served as U.S. delegate to the Paris Plenary of the Financial Action Task Force. During my time on the school committee, I have focused on bringing thoughtful, balanced decision-making to support students, families, and educators. I have lived in Swampscott for 16 years with my wife Siobhan and our two daughters, both of whom attended the Swampscott Public Schools.
What makes you qualified for this position?
Katie Arrington: I care. I attended Swampscott schools, and I’ve been a Swampscott school parent for 11 years with another 11 to go as my youngest is in first grade. For the past two years I have actively reviewed the finances of the Town through my service as a member of the finance committee. For the past six months I have been a Finance Committee liaison to the School Committee, which means I’ve attended all meetings and developed a deep understanding of the factors that influence the cost of providing a quality education to our children.
I have been a town meeting member for six years. I was the PTO President at Clarke Elementary for two years where I developed relationships with school parents, staff, and leadership. We worked together to provide enrichment classes for students, fulfilled teachers wish lists, and enabled students to take field trips by providing buses. All on a very small budget. We brought in author Joe McGee to read his book Peanut Butter & Brains during Read Across America Week. We had “Amelia Earhart” come in March during Women’s History Month, and revived and rebranded our Country Fair event formerly known as The Clarke Cow Plop. That little school had a lot of fun! I was an active member of the Yes campaign team who worked to bring the beautiful new Swampscott Elementary School to fruition.
In addition to my work and town involvement, I’ve spent many years volunteering in our community. I’ve been a religious education teacher at St. John’s Church for the past decade, I sit on the board of Swampscott Youth Lacrosse, and I’m the proud cookie coordinator and assistant troop leader for the Swampscott Daisy Girl Scout troop 63104.
Martha Driscoll Cesarz: I feel I have an in-depth understanding of public school education. My years as a teacher and a principal have provided me with so many examples of implementing school policies and making decisions in the best interest of students and families. When I decided to broaden my administrative experience and become principal at the Winthrop School in the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District, I had to quickly establish myself in a new community with different values and school policies. I became a well-respected administrator. I worked closely with the school committee in Hamilton-Wenham when the decision was made to build a new middle school and consolidate the three elementary schools into one. Even in retirement, I have continued to mentor teachers and principals, tutor students, and substitute teach when possible. I have been a long time Town Meeting member, served on the Swampscott Local Arts Council for six years and the Hadley Reuse Committee. I was also active in Success, Inc., the original non-profit foundation in Swampscott that funded many school projects and programs.
John Giantis: I bring both experience and judgment, having navigated complex budget, policy, and leadership decisions while consistently serving as a pragmatic, solutions-oriented voice on the School Committee.
Why did you choose to live in Swampscott?
Katie Arrington: My husband Dan and I both grew up in Swampscott. We came back (like many) for the schools and the close-knit community. We were living in Salem at the time. We wanted our son to have a great education, and we wanted to be close to my parents Mary and Jerry.
Martha Driscoll Cesarz: I have always called Swampscott my home. I love the ocean and beaches as well as the “small town” feel where everyone gets to know each other. I realized that I could never leave. My husband, Tom, and I bought a house on King Street where we raised our two children, Libby and Joe, in an incredibly tight knit neighborhood. I was an active Hadley School mom while teaching at Stanley School. I was the Girls Scout “Cookie Mom” along with being responsible for PTO cultural arts programming at the Hadley School. I coached my daughter’s soccer team along with Linda Morrison, and was so proud of our girls when they won the league championship! Tom, although not from Swampscott, embraced this small town and used his athletic experiences to coach Girls’ CYO Basketball for years as well as Pop Warner with my dad, Tom Driscoll, a former Select Board member. When our son, Joe, showed interest in lacrosse, Tom and Rick Anderson founded a lacrosse program in Swampscott that continues to thrive to this day. Tom also volunteered as coach for Big Blue Football with Billy Bush. We have loved being involved in the “small town” activities and have developed deep relationships with families and friends throughout our time here.
John Giantis: We chose Swampscott for its strong schools, close-knit community, and because it’s a place where families can truly put down roots.
What made you decide to run for this office now?
Katie Arrington: I had been thinking about running for a while now. I am concerned about the projected budgets for the next few years and what that will look like. My work on the new elementary school committee was incredibly meaningful, and knowing we were providing Swampscott’s next generation with an optimal learning environment was the best feeling. We have many things to be proud of, and we need a middle school facility that enables all our children to be educated in an environment that is safe and educationally sound. I want to help determine how we invigorate our middle school so that it works for our educators and students.
I will be a collaborative voice, helping to strengthen communication and partnership among the School Committee, the Select Board, the Finance Committee and of course Swampscott residents.
Martha Driscoll Cesarz: I have been thinking of a way to volunteer and give back to the town. I began thinking about serving on the School Committee which would be a completely new role for me. When I heard of this two year position, I thought it would be a perfect way to use my educational background and my long time residency to give back to the schools and help strengthen the relationship between the schools and the greater community of Swampscott.
John Giantis: At a time of leadership transition and financial pressure, I believe continuity, stability, and practical decision-making are especially important.
What life or professional experiences most shaped your perspective on public service?
Katie Arrington: I spent a lot of time with my paternal grandparents in Rockport. I was their first grandchild. They were amazing people. My biggest role model was my “Buppie” Katherine Murphy. She was a mother of seven. She was a full-time substitute in the Rockport School System. She was one of the first female Select Board members, served on the School Committee, and the Recreation Commission. They always told me to get involved, ask questions, and to “give ’m hell!” My grandfather was a columnist for the Boston Globe his articles were filled with stories about community members making a difference around the Boston area. He wrote a book called Jeremiah Murphy’s Boston showcasing these people. He was also an English professor at Boston University which spurred my family’s love for the school. Every campaign I am a part of is to honor them.
Martha Driscoll Cesarz: Public service has always been a part of my life. My dad was elected councilor of Ward 6 in Lynn when I was a young child. Both he and my mom, Marion, were very active in the Democratic Party over the years. After my sister contracted paralytic polio as a young child, my Mom became a leader of the March of Dimes organization, raising money and awareness for polio research. Moving to Swampscott, my dad became the collective bargaining agent for the town and later he ran for Select Board. My mom worked with other women in town to start the first “Meals on Wheels,” a program to bring food to the elderly. She was also very active in a “Save Our Beach” movement to keep beaches open to the public. My parents are memorialized with dedicated benches and a rock by the flag pole at the head of Kings Beach, next to Mission On the Bay. My husband served on the Board of Library Trustees. My brother Tom served on the Select Board and is currently clerk of courts of Essex County. Shortly after buying a home in town, I became a town meeting member and I have been a member on and off for years. I served on the Local Arts Council, for many years, and also on the Hadley Reuse Committee. I grew up believing the importance of public service and community involvement.
John Giantis: My work as both a federal banking regulator and in-house counsel has reinforced the importance of accountability, transparency, and making sound decisions under pressure – principles I bring to this role.
What are the top three issues facing Swampscott now?
Katie Arrington: Ensuring our Middle School facility supports the quality of education our students deserve. Balancing the cost of essential services and the resulting tax increases. Identifying new revenue sources to reduce pressure on residential taxpayers.
Martha Driscoll Cesarz: The financial situation in our town is a crisis. With the forecast of a large tax increase next year, and a possible override the year after, we need to work as a community to figure out ways to keep our town affordable for young and old.
The relationship between and among elected members of the boards has been somewhat strained. When questions have been asked about school finances, school committee members have become defensive rather than provide direct, understandable answers. I believe that we can do better as elected officials. I hope to encourage more transparency of the School Budget.
I believe that the relationship between the schools and the greater community has deteriorated so that the support of our schools has been weakened. I hope to strengthen that relationship and provide opportunities for residents to ask questions.
I believe that there needs to be a balance between wanting the best educational experiences for students and a realistic budget.
John Giantis: Long-term financial sustainability, supporting and retaining strong teachers and staff, and ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed.
If elected, what will be your top priorities for the first year?
Katie Arrington: Budgetary Oversight: Actively review and understand the budget, with a focus on transparency and managing long-term financial plans.
Superintendent Partnership: Maintain a productive, collaborative, and respectful relationship with the Superintendent.
Community Engagement: Actively listen to and represent the community, acting as an ambassador for public education.
Martha Driscoll Cesarz: I hope to provide more detailed information regarding the school budget so that taxpayers understand the operation and funding of our schools. In addition, as we determine how to move forward with the repair and maintenance of the middle school, I want to ensure the information that we communicate to the community is transparent, reliable, as well as responsive to the needs of the community.
John Giantis: Supporting the new superintendent, maintaining fiscal discipline, and continuing to strengthen outcomes for all students.
How will you make sure residents’ voices are heard?
Katie Arrington: Always happy to have a call or respond to an email but more so encourage public hearings, informational meetings, following open meeting law. Publishing complete minutes on a timely basis, something the School Committee has been great at. Encouraging community members to attend meetings.
Martha Driscoll Cesarz: Allow differences of opinion to be valued and not cast aside if they do not match the opinions of others. I think it is important to really consider what town residents have to say and respond openly and honestly. During my first year, I will examine what the School Department currently does to encourage people to attend meetings and voice their opinions. Using that information, I hope to find additional ways to keep residents informed and involved.
John Giantis: By being accessible, listening carefully, and making sure decisions reflect both community input and what’s sustainable for the long term.
If voters remember only one thing about your campaign, what do you hope it is?
Katie Arrington: I will be a very strong advocate for quality education at a reasonable cost.
Martha Driscoll Cesarz: That I came full circle from being a teacher to being a member of the School Committee so that I could help build a more positive relationship between the schools and the greater community through respectful dialog and transparency.
John Giantis: That I bring a steady, practical approach and remain focused on what’s best for students, families, and staff.
Favorite spot in town?
Katie Arrington: My favorite spot in town is Blocksidge Field. I love the energy of game day (for me that’s lacrosse not football)! The frenetic anticipation and the hope of a W. In contrast I love the quiet focus of playing catch with Thomas or working on goalie skills with Halley. I enjoy catching up with friends. Big and small as I sling popcorn, cokes, and countless amounts of candy while managing the snack shack. I am always impressed and inspired by my fellow lacrosse coaches with their expertise and compassion while coaching our kids. It’s one place in town where we all come together, win or lose, to cheer on the Big Blue.
Martha Driscoll Cesarz: Sitting on the bench dedicated to my parents at the head of Kings Beach and reading the inscription on the rock about my dad’s service to the town, our country and to others, is my peaceful, happy spot. As I look at the Boston skyline, I think that I am so fortunate that my family moved to this beautiful town that has given me so many wonderful memories.
John Giantis: My yard. My wife and I are avid gardeners, and it’s where we spend a lot of our time. We’re usually working on a new bed or tending to things through the season, and it’s also where we unwind at the end of the day. It’s a simple place, but it’s where a lot of our best family time happens.
