~ Political Announcement ~ Dawn Macklin Announces Re-Election to Malden Ward 4 School Committee Seat

I am proud to officially announce that I am seeking re-election to the Malden School Committee representing Ward 4. First elected in 2021, I have had the honor of serving two terms, and I am ready to continue the hard work of making our schools stronger, more equitable, and more supportive of every child.

After a brief move to Ward 2, I have returned to Ward 4, where I have lived for over a decade and plan to continue my service. Consequently, I contacted the City Clerk’s office on July 14, 2025, to suspend my campaign in Ward 2. After securing an apartment in Ward 4, I pulled nomination papers for Ward 4 School Committee just before the deadline on July 24, 2025. In an amazing and almost impossible feat, I was able to organize a full campaign, knock on doors and drive to collect the necessary signatures in just one weekend – an effort that typically takes months for most candidates. But that last-minute scramble was not just about getting on the ballot, it was about proving what I’ve always believed: dedication and determination can move mountains. I am running for re-election because there is still so much more work to do in our schools and across our city.

Malden is the most diverse public school district in Massachusetts, a distinction that is both a privilege and a responsibility. Our students benefit from learning in a truly global environment, but with that comes challenges: families navigating language and cultural barriers, and others working through the complexities of IEPs and 504 meetings and plans. At the same time, we must not overlook our advanced learners, who also need educational plans that challenge them, keep them engaged, and nurture their full potential. And just as importantly, we must recognize the many students who fall in the middle — those making the grade and progressing steadily — who still deserve opportunities that spark curiosity, foster confidence, and prepare them for future success as well. Every student, whether they require additional support, is at grade level, or seeks accelerated learning opportunities, deserves an education that meets their unique needs and learning style. We must ensure those opportunities exist across every school in the district.

Policy and equity remain at the center of everything I do. For me, equity is not just a principle, it’s a practice that guides every decision, every policy stance, and every initiative I support. Equity means ensuring that every Malden student, regardless of race, language, ability, or economic circumstance, has equal access to the resources they need to thrive. It means listening to families who feel unheard, advocating for students who too often fall through cracks, and building systems that don’t just work for most, but work for all.

As the grandmother of a teenager on the autism spectrum who also lives with the challenges of ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome, I know firsthand how overwhelming the journey can be for both students and caretakers. Our Jeremiah endured extreme bullying in one of the Malden K-8 schools that forced many meetings with school faculty and prior administrators. We eventually made the tough choice to switch K-8 schools for his well-being. However, long before I was elected, I was sitting in IEP and “behavioral” meetings, standing beside many families, not just my own, advocating for the services our students deserve and fighting to stop the “labeling” of our children. Since being elected, I continue to work with families across the district who have also come to know me through other community affiliations and events.

Many community members recognize my dedication and service to Malden, which has filled my life with joy and a great deal of purpose over the past few years.

• Since 2020, I have proudly served as the vice chair of the Malden Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission, advocating for equity, opportunity, and safe, affordable housing for all. With over 20 years of experience in managing residential properties, I grasp the critical importance of safe, clean, and affordable housing and its impact on our students’ success.
• During the pandemic, I co-founded Merry Malden with Ward 3 City Councillor Amanda Linehan, and now in its sixth year, it has brought holiday joy to more than 300 children each year.
• My volunteer work also includes being a CORE Team Member for Black Girls CODE, an organization focused on closing the digital divide and addressing the gender gap in the tech field, where women represent less than 20% and women of color only 3%.
• Each year, I assist in connecting junior and senior prom-goers with Belle of the Ball, which provides dresses and accessories free of charge to those who may those who may struggle with prom-related expenses.
• I have held the position of former Affirmative Action and Outreach Chair for the Malden Democratic City Committee and served on the board of The North Shore Community Housing Corp.
• I offer complimentary Notary Services to all residents of Malden, working to remove barriers for those who may be homebound or lack access to banking services for notarization.

I continue to put my dedication into action with service to Malden. My Commitment is Strong—and Here to Stay.

As a continuous learner, I enrolled at Bunker Hill Community College in Fall 2023 while caring for my husband during his recovery from septic shock. This past spring, I graduated with high honors and an associate degree in Sociology. Through the MassTransfer program, I plan to further my education this fall, aiming for a more fulfilling career in the nonprofit and community sectors in the coming years. My devotion to lifelong learning and service has enhanced my leadership skills, fueled my growth as a leader and will continue to shape how I serve this city.

Malden is not just where I live – it’s where I lead, serve, and give back. With dedication, determination, and a deep love for this community, I would be honored to continue this work for another term.

Let’s keep moving Malden forward—together.