I am seeking re-election to the SAD 44 school board after six years of service. I feel we, as a board, have made great strides to support our students and teachers. Also we should continue to explore new possibilities for our district.

First, on the list would be to support the transportation department with a new bus garage. Currently the building being used is 100 years old and in major need of repairs. Three years ago another facility was proposed but was shot down by the board. Next would be COVID-19. This was a very difficult time for our school system. Many questions arose on how to protect our students and teachers. Improvements were made to improve air quality in our schools using federal funding.

The strength of our district is our administrators and teachers. They support one another and get along well together. We have, over the years, hired from within the district when positions were open and this approach has served us well. We have teachers advancing their career path and longevity with the district.

In the early 1990’s I was asked to serve on the Newry Withdrawal Committee. I was appointed by Governor LePage to serve on the State of Maine Board of Licensure of Water Operators. I have served on the Town of Newry Planning Board on three different occasions over a 20-year period. I was a Town of Newry selectperson. I have served six year’s on SAD 44 Board of Directors.

Why are you seeking the school board nomination?

I am running to be of service to the community.  Now that I am retired, I have more  time  to dedicate to such things.

What do you think are some important issues/challenges facing the district and what do you hope to accomplish? 

We have a change in superintendents, declining enrollment due to home schooling, which increased during the pandemic and is also due to parental dissatisfaction. Why are they leaving? Can we fix that?

Expenses are rising, so budgeting is always an issue. We have a high percentage of special needs students also.

Student population is fairly homogeneous so we do not have to deal with the staffing and increased  expenditure issues caused by multiple languages. We have a good tax base, although it is complicated in trying to most fairly apportion funds from four towns. The small student population lends itself to more personalized attention.

I have owned a home here since 1991. For the past two years as a full time resident of Newry.

I graduated from the oldest public school in America (Boston Latin School). I have a B.A. in Economics from U-Mass Boston, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic.

I practiced for 38 years in East Boston, MA.

My family was always connected to the Boston schools. For instance, my Dad was chief electrical engineer for the Boston School Dept. His brother  was a school vice-principal and also served as vice-president of the Boston teachers union.

As a result, I always had an interest in education. I keep in mind that today’s youth are the leaders and citizens of the future. Educating them to our best ability is thereby paramount to the ongoing success of our nation.

Also, I have been an active member of Kiwanis for 40 years, Toastmasters 25 years, and Freedoms Foundation 38 years. I served two or more terms as President of the local clubs or chapters of each of those organizations.