MATTAPOISETT — Two candidates are facing off for one seat on the Mattapoisett School Committee.

First time candidate David Pierre is running for office because he “cares deeply about the education that children receive” in Mattapoisett.

As a middle school math teacher in South Central Los Angeles and New Bedford with over 20 years of experience in the classroom, Pierre said he has an “essential understanding of the day-to-day operations within a school.”

He is also the parent of a ninth-grade student at Old Rochester Regional High School.

Since he declared his candidacy, Pierre said he has been “very encouraged by the positive reception [he has] received.”

“I have realized that I am not alone in believing that our school committee is in need of balance,” he added.

In Mattapoisett, a study is underway to consider the possibility of consolidating Center School and Old Hammondtown School into one entity, which could impact the future of education in Mattapoisett.

“The issue of a possible consolidation of Center School and Old Hammondtown is an extremely important one, as it would have a profound effect on the overall fabric of the town,” said Pierre. “I look forward to the upcoming presentation from the Collins Center from UMass to see what their long-awaited study has uncovered.”

This year, ten library books held in the Old Rochester Regional High School and Junior High Schools were challenged for alleged explicit content. This has sparked discussion over suitable in-school materials.

“The issue with the books is about extremely graphic illustrations of sex acts – plain and simple – not about ‘book banning’ or hate of any kind,” said Pierre, who has spoken out at Old Rochester Regional School Committee meetings as a concerned resident.

“Those who I’ve talked to who initially believed that parents wish to ‘ban books’ have been surprised when I’ve told them of the sexually explicit imagery that these books contain. These sexually explicit illustrations should have no place in any school with minors. Our children deserve better,” he continued.

Pierre added that another issue facing the district is the “continued trend downward in enrollment in [Old Rochester Regional],” which he said could affect future budgeting decisions along with the increased costs of utilities and the loss of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds “which may eventually expire.”

However, said Pierre, regardless of the specific issues, “what remains is the priority to provide children the best education possible.”

For Pierre, who moved to Mattapoisett in 2009 and is a lector and parishioner at St. Anthony’s Parish, Mattapoisett’s strength is in the families who live in town.

Pierre is facing incumbent Carly Lavin for a seat on the Mattapoisett School Committee in the town election on Tuesday, May 16.