Candidate for CSD School Board Tom Perkins
Address: Boothbay Harbor
Occupation: Financial Advisor 33 years
Education: Born and raised in Boothbay Harbor (BRHS ’79), (Rollins ’83)
Political History: None
Organization: St. Andrews Free Bed Fund president over 20 years
Considering the position you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues?
Top Three Issues: Sustainability, Quality, and Accountability
We all want the best possible education for our students. I think we also need to find that proper balance of cost-effectiveness to ensure that our local schools can be sustainable over the longer term.
We have seen our budgets skyrocket over the last decade, so more creative solutions are needed that help provide quality education while trying to better manage overall costs.
As a local business owner who constantly analyzes risk and reward to make the most prudent decision, I feel more than qualified to help guide our community through the challenges local education faces in the coming years.
Every person involved in the local educational process needs to be accountable or it won’t work. If you promise something, then you need to deliver. We all need to say what we mean and mean what we say. We need all kinds of different viewpoints working together - being honest and straightforward with one another - to help us find the answers.
If voters want someone that can provide the school board with a different perspective backed by common sense and practical business experience, then this is your opportunity for that kind of voice to represent Boothbay Harbor. Together, I believe we can arrive at better overall solutions.
Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office?
My family has always strongly believed in education and academic standards, following the example set by (my mother) Mrs. Patricia Perkins, a beloved 4th and 5th grade teacher in our town for decades.
My children Angie and Will were highly ranked academically and both also won individual state championships (Track & Field, Cross Country) along the way. One of the school athletic fields “Perkins Field” is named after my father Blenn.
My wife Laura and I have been long-time public advocates for transparency and increasing public awareness about what is happening with our schools. We have attended nearly every school-related board meeting in our towns for several years.
As such, I recognize that “business as usual” is simply not a viable option going forward. As a lifelong resident who cares deeply about my community, I’m hoping that donating my time, energy, and effort will make a real difference going forward.