Engaging Mansfield

05/12/2026

This is very well said. Mansfield Fire Department MA

05/11/2026

The MEA’s effort to stack the School Committee and Select Board with people they later may negotiate with—and to undermine Town Meeting—is deeply concerning. Other unions in Mansfield don’t operate this way. They bargain in good faith, collaboratively, productively, and are valued partners in our town.

For me, the MEA endorsement is disqualifying. Any candidate who accepted it and is now benefiting from the union’s “boots on the ground” support will not receive my vote.

This isn’t new behavior. About 18 months ago, when I was chair of the School Committee, we formed a 13-member Superintendent Search Advisory Committee—seven residents and six staff, including one from MEA leadership. The very next day, MEA leadership demanded that seven additional union members be added! I responded with “I have never hired my own boss”, and “this is a decision by the School Committee and therefore a decision by the residents”. I said NO, and thankfully my colleagues agreed. Unfortunately, the pressure didn’t stop there and attempts to influence the selection continued throughout the search.

So this endorsement strategy and attempt to exert control over town government is no surprise.

I have nothing against unions. My father, grandfather, and uncles were proud union members. But in my view, when any group—union or otherwise—acts primarily in its own self-interest or compromises ethical boundaries, that is a serious problem.

I am supporting Maureen Doherty for Select Board. Her past three years have been among the most productive and challenging a board member has ever faced. Furthermore, I will intentionally not vote for any of the four candidates who accepted the MEA endorsement.

As you prepare to vote tomorrow, I ask you to consider Maureen and the candidates who chose to remain independent.

Steve Schoonveld

05/08/2026

In 2025 in the Town of Andover, the local teachers' union became involved in the local election for School Committee. Involvement included large campaign donations, endorsements, and active campaigning for the candidates they felt would support the unions.

This has begun here in Mansfield. But not only is the MEA supporting their preferred School Committee candidates to sit across from them during negotiations and mediations, they are supporting Select Board member candidates too! Perhaps they feel that they can receive favorable consideration on employee benefits or on budget and staffing matters?

For either reason, it is disturbing.

As you vote on Tuesday, please vote with a sense of ethics in mind.

Thank you,

Steve Schoonveld

Along with the Andover Public Schools budget, student performance, and the fate of Andover High School, the Andover Education’s endorsement of Jake Tamarkin and Christopher Shepley and the ca…

05/08/2026

Here is the School Committee Forum:

Watch Select Board Candidates Forum 4/28/2026

05/05/2026

Last week's pre-Town Meeting meeting deck:

04/30/2026

Watch and vote!

Watch Select Board Candidates Forum 4/28/2026

01/05/2026

Interviews Thursday. No public interaction.

MANSFIELD — The search for a new town manager is nearing the final stage.

12/22/2025

This…

Mansfield school committee member Steve Schoonveld has resigned, and a call is being made for candidates to fill the vacant seat on the five-member board. https://ow.ly/PZOJ50XN7ve

11/14/2025

Budget season starting.

10/24/2025

Join the 250th Celebration Committee for a presentation by Police Chief Ronald Sellon and Retired Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini. This "Untold Stories" lecture series looks back at the process behind the construction of the Mansfield public Safety Complex. This "Untold Stories" lecture series looks back at the process behind the construction of the Mansfield public Safety Complex. It will be held at the Congregational Church this Saturday, Oct. 25th at 6:00 pm.