Address: 106 Bath Road, Wiscasset

Occupation: Retired (former editor and writer – airline marketing, advertising, and P.R.)

Education: B.A. in anthropology, University of Texas at Austin; M.F.A. in writing for children and young adults, Vermont College of Fine Arts

Political History (Board, Committees, other): Wiscasset Waterfront Subcommittee, Wiscasset Trails Committee, Wm. B. Travis Elementary School (HoustonTexas), Shared Decision-Making Committee, A. Hamilton Middle School (Houston, Texas), PTA (co-president)

Clubs/Organizations: Lincoln County Search and Rescue (trainee); Midcoast Literacy (tutor); Aberg Center for Literacy, Dallas (GED and ESL instructor); Wiscasset Creative Alliance (volunteer); Lincoln County Historical Association (museum docent); Wiscasset Yacht Club (member); Friends of the Wiscasset Public Library (committee chair); Wiscasset Partners in Education (supporter).

Considering the office you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues (350 words or less): The three most pressing responsibilities for the school committee are to provide the best possible education for each individual student, to employ effective and dedicated educators, and to wisely allocate taxpayer funds to best fulfill the other two responsibilities.

The first obligation of our schools is, of course, to teach students what they need to succeed. Students must be fully prepared to move to their next stage – whether that’s to the next grade, on to college, or directly into the workforce.

To support that first goal, we must work to retain and attract even more high-caliber educators and support staff. Salaries are only a part of the necessary appeal. Keeping the best teachers and school staff requires a supportive, consistent, sometimes innovative, welcoming, and results-oriented environment with safe and inviting facilities.

Which brings us to the bottom line. Achieving the above requires engaged parents and grandparents and other family members, willing volunteers, committed educators and administrators, community partnerships, and, ultimately, the fiscal support of the taxpaying public. It is the duty of the school departments, the administration, and the school committee to find the most sensible, judicious, and effective use of our tax dollars. And, in the end, each dollar must be weighed for its potential to provide the best possible education for each individual student.

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office? (150 words or less): Both as a lifelong volunteer and in my professional career in the international airline industry, I have built a reputation for listening, consensus-building, creativity, enthusiasm, diplomacy, attention to detail, and simply stepping up. I have been an actively contributing member of each community I’ve lived in throughout my adult life, often with a focus on education or training. I would now like the opportunity to apply these skills to the benefit of our town and, especially, our children.