Election season is a great time to help kids understand how our city works — especially right here in Lowell!
You may see signs popping up in yards or people waving campaign posters at intersections. These are great conversation starters with kids about two important groups: the City Council and the School Committee.
The City Council is a group of people elected by Lowell residents to make decisions about our city. Think of them like the “leadership team” for all things Lowell! There are eleven City Councilors, including the Mayor, and they meet to talk about:
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Parks and playgrounds
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Roads and traffic
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Safety in neighborhoods
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How the city spends its money
They help decide what needs fixing, what needs funding and how to make Lowell an even better place to live, work and play.
The School Committee focuses on Lowell Public Schools. It’s made up of six members plus the Mayor, and they make decisions about what happens in your child’s school day. That includes:
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What kids learn
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School lunches and buses
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Hiring school leaders, like the Superintendent
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Making sure teachers and principals have what they need
If you have a child in Lowell Public Schools, the School Committee plays a big role in shaping their school experience.
Even though kids aren’t old enough to vote, the decisions made by local leaders affect their daily lives — like what they eat for lunch, what playground equipment is available and how they get to school. Explaining this helps children understand that local government is about them too, not just adults.
When you see a yard sign or someone holding a campaign poster at an intersection, use it as a chance to talk with your child. Ask questions like, “What do you think that sign is for?” or “What would you do if you were in charge of the city or schools?” These small conversations can spark curiosity and help kids begin to understand how voting and leadership work.
If you’re heading to vote, bring your kids along when possible. Let them wear an “I Voted” sticker and be part of the experience. It shows them that voting is important and something to look forward to.
Helping kids understand how their city and schools are run doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with what they see around them — signs, schools, parks — and help them connect the dots. After all, today’s curious kids are tomorrow’s leaders!
(This article is a follow-up to Getting Kids Excited About Local Elections: A Vote of Confidence in Our Future)
