Chelsea Haggett knows what it's like to go through Wiscasset High School.

After all, the 24-year-old Wiscasset native and write-in candidate for the school board is a fairly recent graduate.

It's because of her ties to the school, and her ability to bring her voice into the discussion that Haggett is seeking a spot on the board, she said.

“I've always followed the school board closely, through going and reading the papers,” she said. “I'm a big believer that if you don't show up to meetings, if you don't vote, then you shouldn't voice your opinions. I've always participated (in voting) and this was the next step.”

Haggett said she wouldn't be afraid to speak up on the board, but would make a point of listening to other opinions before making a decision.

“I'm also bringing a younger voice into the discussion,” she said. “That's not always something you get in Lincoln County, and if we want to get a younger generation more involved in government then it would help to have someone on the board who speaks from that perspective.”

Regardless of age, the problems in the school district remain troubling, Haggett said, adding that the future will be a balancing act.

“I want to be able to offer these kids a good education and a great experience like I had, but at the same time I don't want to drive people away because of taxes,” she said. “There are a lot of challenges coming up in the next year, but it's also an exciting time.”

Haggett said part of the excitement comes from being able to help the town she calls home.

“I'm proud of Wiscasset; my husband (Cody) and I moved here, we're building a house here an I'd like to have my family grow up here,” she said. “I understand that change is inevitable, but I don't want the town where I grew up to become unrecognizable.”