Ward 7 Lewiston School Committee candidate Donna Gallant. Submitted photo
LEWISTON — Donna Gallant, 64, is running for the Ward 7 Lewiston School committee seat. She is a retired social worker and served in the United States Army. She has lived in Lewiston for about a decade.
Community engagement: Chairperson Lewiston Senior Advisory Council, volunteer at Pathway Vineyard Church, American Legion member
How would you manage the school budget? Allocate more funds to schools or pull back spending? Why?
I would evaluate every line item in the budget to make sure every dollar is being well spent and wisely used for student education, not unnecessary programs. As homeowners, senior citizens and taxpayers, we need to be judicious in our spending and good stewards of the facilities, assets, and properties we maintain. I will find savings in the school budget that are sustainable for both the education of our children and our tax-paying residents. I believe I can work to find comprise and equity by managing the school budget, which would benefit children and taxpayers.
Do you believe student safety is a priority and would you support initiatives that address safety issues?
With numerous school suspensions and expulsions last year, student safety is my number one priority. Greater parent involvement is essential. A larger resource officer presence is necessary, not just for safety reasons but also to foster relationships between students and law enforcement. I suggest workshops including parents, administrators and resource officers in order to better understand concerns and recommendations. We must also create a clear policy to ensure all volunteers in the school system undergo background checks.
Do you believe students’ social and emotional needs are being met in schools? What could be done differently?
School culture is different than it was decades ago. Children are experiencing more stress due to various reasons, such as homelessness, violence, drugs, poverty and social media. It directly affects their educational success. Supportive interactions build strong and healthy relationships between adults and children. The ways in which we interact with children should be carefully considered and planned. With parents’ explicit permission and involvement, schools can help support children with mental health initiatives. Along with involving school social workers, peer groups, student clubs and adult advisors. Law enforcement, coaches, foster grandparent programs, and churches can also be helpful.
Do you believe parents and community members have adequate access to the committee members at meetings or through other methods to express concerns and frustrations?
No. The current venue where meetings are held is too small and often crowded. The public seating area makes it difficult to see and hear all committee members. I would request a larger room such as where City Council meets. Livestreams and broadcasts must continue. Agendas are difficult to find on the school website. I also believe allowing people to call into meetings from home would help those who cannot leave their homes due to childcare or physical disability. This could accommodate more people and invite greater public participation.
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