Marsha Roos Candidate Profile School Committee - The Quincy Sun

Published Quincy Sun Thursday Sept 25, 2025

If elected, my top priorities will be:

Creating a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment

Every student deserves a school environment where they feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed, especially those from marginalized communities. I will advocate for the resources, staffing, and tools necessary to ensure both students and educators are equipped to thrive.

Prioritizing Student Mental Health

Mental health challenges among students are rising, with studies showing that up to one-third of high schoolers experience symptoms of depression, along with many others facing anxiety and related issues. I will work to expand access to school-based mental health professionals, including adjustment counselors, psychologists, and guidance counselors, so students have the support they need when they need it.

Addressing Chronic Absenteeism

Since the pandemic, chronic absenteeism has doubled, now affecting roughly 20% of students. Absences disrupt learning and widen achievement gaps. Quincy Public Schools is rolling out a new attendance policy this fall for upper grades, which I support. But policy alone isn’t enough. I will push for proactive outreach to students who remain absent more than 10% of the school year, to understand the root causes, whether health-related, mental health challenges, or other barriers. For students at risk of losing credit due to excessive absences, I will advocate for clear pathways to recover credits and stay on track for graduation. No student should feel that dropping out is their only option.

Implementing a Strong Cell Phone Policy

Classroom distractions from cell phones are a growing concern. Audible notifications and constant access to devices undermine focus and learning. I support a structured policy, such as requiring phones to be stored in pouches during class or adopting a bell-to-bell restriction, similar to New York’s approach. Massachusetts is considering legislation to limit student phone use during the school day, and I believe Quincy should be ready to lead on this issue. Any policy must include thoughtful communication with teachers and families, and provide accommodations for students with medical needs who rely on personal devices.

Voters should elect me to the office I seek, School Committee, because:

With 30 years of experience as a dedicated professional in public education, I bring a deep understanding of what works and what needs improvement in our schools. As a guidance counselor, I work daily with teachers across disciplines and have supported thousands of students and families. I’m passionate about helping students reach their educational and career goals, and I’m a fierce advocate for their success.

Broad Experience Across Grade Levels

After graduating from UMass Amherst, followed by UMass Boston for a graduate degree, I currently serve at Braintree High School, and my career spans elementary, middle, and high school settings. This diverse experience gives me a comprehensive view of student development and the challenges educators face at every stage.

Proud Supporter of Quincy Public Schools

My three children are proud graduates of Quincy Public Schools. I’m deeply grateful for the academic and vocational opportunities they received, ranging from Plumbing and Culinary Arts to Carpentry and Health Care Technology. They thrived under the guidance of exceptional teachers and participated in sports, theatre, music, and the arts. I’m committed to ensuring that students have access to the same high-quality programs by advocating for strong staffing and well-maintained facilities.

Active Community Member

For over three decades, I’ve called Wollaston home. My community involvement includes Wollaston T-Ball, PTO and PAC, Girl Scouts, Divine Mercy Parish, Friends of Wollaston Beach, the Houghs Neck Book Club, and Quincy Clams Hockey. I served as a longtime member of the South Shore Guidance Association as well. I believe that strong schools are built on strong community connections.

Experienced Board Member

I understand how to work collaboratively on a committee. I served for three years on the Board of Manet Community Health, where I helped guide decisions that impacted local families.

Community Support

I'm proud to have earned the trust and endorsement of the Quincy Education Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2222. I'm honored to be supported by the working families of Quincy. 

Ready to Serve

I have the time, energy, and experience to serve effectively on the Quincy School Committee. I’m eager to contribute meaningful insights and advocate for policies that support students, educators, and families.

To learn more about my candidacy, please visit www.MarshaRoos4Quincy.com. I respectfully ask for your vote on November 4th.