GREENE — When residents head to the polls Tuesday to select a new school board representative, they’ll be faced with two candidates running on strikingly different platforms.
One is a longtime educator most concerned by post-pandemic achievement gaps and teacher retention. The other is a military veteran who believes restricting school programming on social emotional learning and LGBTQ+ topics should take priority.
Their differences echo a growing national divide over how and what students in public schools should be taught. But unlike similar school board elections across the U.S., this is not a fight between a Democrat and Republican.
Both candidates are registered Republicans.
On Tuesday, Greene residents will not only select a candidate to represent them, they will also send a message about the direction they wish to see the Maine School Administrative District head.
Polls will be open from 1-7 p.m. at the town office.
Candidate profiles are listed below.
Bre Allard Submitted photo
Name: Bre Allard
Occupation: Literacy Coach at Lewiston Middle School
What is your connection to MSAD 52?
I’m a mom of four school-aged children. I was an English teacher at Leavitt Area High School, the theater director at Tripp Middle School, and the president of the Greene Central School Parent-Teacher Committee.
Community involvement:
Greene Village Day Committee, Greene Conservation Commission, South Lewiston Baptist Church children’s church director, New River Performing Arts Creative Team and the Maine Council of English Language Arts Secretary.
Why do you think you are the best candidate for the MSAD 52 board of directors?
As an educator, and formerly with the MSAD 52 district, I have a firsthand account of the needs of students and educators in our educational system. I stay active in my children’s education and I stay involved in my community to round out my knowledge about the growing needs of our schools. I am the best fit for the MSAD 52 board of directors position because I have 17 years of experience in education, I’m involved in many groups in leadership roles, and I am a respectful and well-informed team player.
What do you think is the most pressing challenge facing MSAD 52 schools? What ideas do you have to address this challenge?
The most pressing issue facing MSAD 52 continues to be post-pandemic achievement gaps and teacher burnout. As a school board, we need to make sure that our students’ educational development is our top priority. Along with that, we need to make sure our teachers are valued so we have high retention rates. Our students need consistency in their classrooms. I will assist the board of directors in leading civil conversations on the issues that really matter for our students’ educational development to decrease the achievement gaps and increase the teacher retention rate.
Adam Blake Submitted photo
Name: Adam Blake
Occupation: ATM technician
What is your connection to MSAD 52?
I currently have five children attending school in this district. My wife and I met at and graduated from Leavitt Area High School.
Community involvement:
I served in the Army from 2003-13. I also served on the Leeds Fire Department as a young adult and on the Veazie Fire Department after my deployment to Iraq.
Why do you think you are the best candidate for the MSAD 52 board of directors?
I spent 10 years in the military, including a deployment to Iraq. I have worked security, construction, retail, as well as armed transport and on fire departments. I have thoroughly experienced the world that public school is intended to prepare our students for, and I can clearly see what is going to benefit them, as well as what is going to hurt them. I believe I share the sentiment of the parents of our students in general, and I plan to reflect that sentiment while serving on this school board. Something our current school board, as a whole, has failed to do.
What do you think is the most pressing challenge facing MSAD 52 schools? What ideas do you have to address this challenge?
Our school board, in general, has forgotten who it serves. They would say they serve the students, but they are supposed to be serving the families, and they were put in their position by the parents. Our biggest challenge is to reset the relationship between our local public education and the parents of the students enrolled. When educators are at odds with parents, it creates an inhospitable learning environment for our children. Programs are being introduced into our schools that are destructive to our children and their future. Parents are expressing concern. It is time for school board members that will listen.
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