Address: 397 Ocean Point Road 

Occupation: Administrative Assistant, Bigelow Laboratory – full time; Instructor and Trainer, Boothbay Region Y – part time 

Education: B.A., Mount Holyoke College, Pychology and Education 

M.Ed., Harvard Graduate School of Education  

Political History (Board, Committees): Boothbay CSD School Committee – 6 years 

Clubs/Organizations: St. Columba’s Church – Boothbay Harbor; Environmental Art Show organizer – Art Foundation; Previous PTA President – Waterville, Maine 

Considering the position you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues? (350 words or less): As candidates for the School Board, the Register asks us to address three most pressing issues. While there are many complex challenges facing our schools, of most concern includes: Addressing Student Educational Needs; Rising Costs, Financial and Budget Needs; and School Building and Facility Needs  

In six years on the Board, I’ve had opportunity to work alongside school staff, administrators, and community members on these issues, while recognizing these are not all issues just unique to Boothbay, but rather also seen across our state and the country.  

1. Student Needs 
Today’s student needs go far beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic. Schools are now central places for mental health support, nutrition, health care access, emotional development, and physical well-being. We see increasing challenges related to student mental health, family financial stability, learning differences, behavior issues, and technological distractions. To meet these needs, schools must engage social workers, speech, occupational and other therapists, educational assistants and special education specialists . 

2. Rising Costs, Financial and Budget Needs 
In a system heavily dependent on property taxes, inflation and significant increases in healthcare especially are putting pressure on school budgets. This year’s proposed budget includes staff reductions despite extensive efforts by administrators, the Financial Committee and our Boards, to minimize student impacts. Adjustments such as multi-grade classrooms and staff reassignments help maintainappropriate class sizes. While enrollment trends shift nationally and locally, our PreK–12 population remainsrelatively steady. Nevertheless, I am committed to continued efforts to explore solutions, including regionalization, grant funding, and fundraising.  

3. School Building and Facility Needs 
Similar to many aging school buildings in Maine, our high school, was built in the 1950s, and our elementary school in the 1970s, Due to long-standing financial constraints and the passage of time, many needs have become critical. Safe, healthy, and educationally appropriate facilities are essential for both students and staff, and directly impact the quality of education we provide. 

I must add that in addition to the challenges, I’ve come to appreciate the MANY positives our schools offer, led by dedicated professionals and a supportive community! 

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office? (150 words or less): I’m running for re-election to support our youth. I bring six years Board experience and a strong desire to continue this important work. I believe in the life-changing power of education. While that may sound like a cliché, I hope my background and service to both schools, and the community, demonstrates this belief and guides my actions. 

I have degrees in education and have pursued a career in educational settings. For 15 years, I have worked at the Boothbay Y, full-time and now part-time, which has given me the opportunity to know many local young people. Recently, working at Bigelow Laboratory has allowed me to further support strong educational connections both the Y and Bigelow offer, as well as, potential partnerships that enhance student opportunities. 

If re-elected, I will continue striving to ensure our schools are best able to support the needs of both students and our community.