After more than 20 years of Paul Baker residing in Marblehead, the United Kingdom native received his United States citizenship in 2022, granting him the ability to run for election in town.
Although he could not run for School Committee until now, Baker has no shortage of education experience.
Baker currently serves as the Head of School at the Devereux and Devereux@Waring Schools. He is also a member of the Marblehead Community Charter Public School’s Board of Trustees.
He said he is in his third term and seventh year on the board, having served as clerk twice, and vice-chair. In those seven years, he also chaired the Development and Communications Committee and Governance Committee.
“I believe that I have learned many of the intricacies of working with others as part of a board/committee during my tenure at MCCPS,” he added in the release.
Baker also served on the superintendent-hiring committee that chose Nan Murphy, which he said gives him interview experience at the superintendent level. In addition, his youngest son, Wendell, is currently a student at the Village School. Baker assured people in the release that despite not being an official citizen for many years, his passion for Marblehead and its schools is no new development.
“I have supported, held signs, hosted lawn signs, sent emails, written ‘letters to the editor,’ and ‘talked up’ many of you who are reading this letter, so too have I disagreed with and criticized others of you. However, as a resident, business owner and tax payer I believe that I have spoken plainly, factually, and been as involved as possible without actually being able to vote or run for office,” Baker wrote. “All this being said, I view this vacant School Committee seat as a chance to truly give back and make a difference to our town, and would welcome the opportunity.”
Baker wrote that if he is not elected, he will continue to stay involved. He also looks forward to exercising his full ability to vote.
As of the Weekly News‘ press time, Paul Baker could not be reached for direct comment.