Danielle McFadden, a well known member of the community and President of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, is entering the political arena as an At-Large candidate for Lowell School Committee.
The Pawtucketville resident and mother of three school age children had considered a run for 16th Middlesex State Representative in 2022, before ultimately deciding not to seek the office. She is expected to make a formal announcement about her school committee candidacy in the coming days.
McFadden took the helm at the Chamber of Commerce in 2011 and is widely lauded for shepherding that organization through the Covid pandemic.
She’s also been active in numerous non-profit organizations, including the Greater Lowell Workforce Development Board (Acting Chair) and Merrimack Valley Food Bank (Vice President).
Along with her business roots and acumen, education has been a major focus for McFadden. She currently serves on the Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), including as a past President. She also sits on Middlesex Community College’s Corporate and Community Education and Training Advisory Board.
The life-long Lowell resident is a founding contributor at InsideLowell, penning numerous articles promoting the city and youth sports, along with hosting podcasts that highlight local businesses and the community at large. She was also a regular on 980WCAP-AM, hosting the Chamber Chat business program for over a decade and also appearing as a Guest Host on the Morning Drive Show beginning in 2008.
“As a mother of three children, two of whom currently attend Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, I understand the joys and challenges of raising a family in Lowell,” said McFadden. “I know firsthand the importance of having strong academic, special education, and mental health supports within our public schools, and I am dedicated to ensuring that all children—regardless of their background or needs—receive the attention and resources they deserve.”
The Lowell School Committee consists of six members and the Mayor. Two of the slots on the board are At-Large seats, which are currently held by Connie Martin and Jackie Doherty. The veteran SC members were the only two At-Large candidates to seek the office in 2023. If both seek re-election next November, it would set up a competitive race between three very well known individuals.
The city’s next municipal election will take place November 4, 2025. If enough candidates enter the race to force a preliminary election, that is expected to take place in September of 2025.
5 responses to “Chamber President Running for School Committee”
The data on Hispanic-Latino/a/x/e students in Lowell Public Schools (LPS) highlights long-standing inequities that demand urgent attention:
– Discipline Disparities: Hispanic-Latino/a/x/e students represent over half (52.2%) of all disciplined students in LPS, with similar trends at Lowell High School and middle schools like Robinson and Stoklosa.
– Academic Gaps: They have the lowest advanced course completion rates and the lowest rates of pursuing higher education—just 34% of graduates, compared to 53.3% district-wide.
– Ongoing Challenges: Bullying, stereotypes, language barriers, and inequities persist, coupled with external stressors such as unfamiliarity with the U.S. education system.
Despite these alarming statistics, the systemic failure to address the needs of this population continues, even as Hispanic-Latino/a/x/e students make up a significant proportion of the district. The question is not whether this data exists but whether leadership will have the courage to confront it. When electing leaders for the school committee, the focus must be on their ability to address systemic issues and drive meaningful change, particularly for underserved populations. It’s no surprise that many parents are turning to charter schools, which are seen as making a genuine effort to reduce disparities for Hispanic-Latino/a/x/e students.
The decision to vote for a candidate should not rest on popularity or name recognition. Instead, voters should evaluate whether the candidate has the knowledge, experience, and commitment to address the systemic issues affecting our children.
I am an Acre resident and the parent of two young boys of color in elementary school. Looking at this data, why would I choose to keep them in a system that consistently fails boys who look like them? The data and facts are clear, and as a community, we must stop ignoring them and demand real change.
I cannot think of a more dedicated person in our community than Danielle. She has been involved in not only the Chamber but countless other non-profits, businesses and community organizations. She has first hand knowledge of the needs of children in schools and the necessity of providing adequate resources. Danielle has passion and ability to communicate with anyone as evidenced by her Chamber leadership, Inside Lowell involvement and the many community activities she’s a part of. She is persuasive, smart and knowledgable. She would be an amazing addition. Unfortunately the above reply distracts from the truth that Danielle is heavily involved and does have knowledge and experience to address issues affecting the children, hers included.
The commenter on Latin and Hispanic and special needs students was stating facts. Your opinion doesn’t change the school district. Stakeholders at large…
Leslie, Thank you for actively voicing your concerns and for demanding accountability for all students in Lowell Public Schools. As parents we all want what is best for our kids – I know this firsthand navigating the school system for access to special needs and mental health support.
The data on Hispanic-Latino/a/x/e students is alarming and as a candidate for the Lowell School Committee — and more importantly, as a parent with children in the Lowell Public School system— I understand firsthand the urgency of these issues.
The disparities in discipline, academic achievement and access to higher education for Hispanic-Latino/a/x/e students are unacceptable. These inequities are not new, but they must no longer be ignored. As a school committee member, I would bring a missing voice — one of a parent actively navigating the school system, experiencing its challenges, and deeply invested in making real improvements for all students.
Parents are turning to charter and private schools because they feel their children are not being served in LPS. No family should feel that they have to leave public schools to ensure their child gets a fair chance. We must work to restore trust in our schools by delivering equitable opportunities for all students.
I hear your frustration, and I share your urgency for change. If elected, I will fight to ensure that Lowell Public Schools serve every child —because every child deserves an excellent education, no matter their background.
Thank you very much for your support, Ellen! I appreciate it – and you – as always!
Sherri, I truly appreciate your feedback and will do my best to earn the votes needed to serve Lowell residents and students on the School Committee. If I have the honor of being elected, I’ll remain committed to earning the trust and support of our entire community while advocating for every child in Lowell with the same dedication and passion I have for my own.