Three running unopposed for three SAD 1 board seats
Election Guide 2011: Meet the Candidates
Full name: Robert J. Cawley (Incumbent)
Age: 48
Hometown: Presque Isle
District: 5 (Presque Isle)
What made you decide to run for this office? I initially ran for the Section 5 seat of SAD 1 in 2005 when I learned that nobody was running to represent my district. At the time, I had two children in the school system and I decided I would like to become involved in helping to make the decisions that affect all our children. I am running again this year for the same reason.
What do you see as the most important issue facing the school board today and in the next three years (and how will you work to fix it)? The most important issue currently facing the school board is managing our budget during the ongoing economic slowdown. Over the past two years, the state has generally been reducing their contribution to the overall cost of education, which is putting more pressure on the local taxpayers. For the foreseeable future, we have to manage our budget to ensure we maintain a high quality of education for our kids, while trying to minimize the direct impact of any budget cuts on the classrooms for as long as possible. We also have to continue to maintain our facilities, including busses, to keep them safe and up to current standards and to extend their useful lives.
What will be your primary goal, if elected (give specifics)? My primary goal is to continue focusing on our annual budget and try to focus the conversation on a reasonable balance between the financial support needed to maintain our core educational offerings, while being mindful of the impact to the local taxpayers.
An equally important goal is to continue to maintain/improve our curriculum at all grade levels to give our kids the best opportunity to be successful.
Why should people vote for you? I have almost six years’ experience on the school board, which gives me good insight into the issues we face. In addition, I am an active participant in all discussions who tries to analyze the pros and cons of each issue before making a decision.
What is your career background? Educationally, I have degrees in business administration and accounting. My career has been generally divided between working in public accounting and financial institutions. In my current position, my focus is on the financial analysis of all types of business entities.
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Full name: Lori G. Kenneson (Incumbent)
Age: 52
Hometown: Presque Isle
District: 9 (Presque Isle)
What made you decide to run for this office? I have a genuine interest in education and the success of our students who attend school in SAD 1. I have served on the board of directors for five terms and I continue to be concerned about issues facing our district.
What do you see as the most important issue facing the school board today and in the next three years (and how will you work to fix it)? One of the most important challenges is maintaining a budget with attention to not raising taxes, while continuing to provide quality education for our students.
What will be your primary goal, if elected (give specifics)? Same as above.
Why should people vote for you? I am hoping that a vote for me would be based on my experience and reputation. I have always tried to be accessible to my constituents; when presented with an issue, I’ve done my best to have those concerns addressed.
What is your career background? I am a registered dental hygienist and have been employed full-time in an orthodontic practice for over 30 years. I have also worked part-time in a general dental office for the past 11 years.
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Full name: Joanna L. Newlands
Age: 40
Hometown: Castle Hill
District: 2 (Castle Hill/Mapleton)
What made you decide to run for this office? Over the last 35 years or more, I have been a family member of Mapleton Elementary School. My grandmother and mother have been employees for many years. Through many generations of myself and now my children attending, I have seen many changes over the years. I have decided that I would like to play an active role for myself and the people in District 2. This will also be another learning experience for me that I am very excited about.
What do you see as the most important issue facing the school board today and in the next three years (and how will you work to fix it)? Some important issues would be the financial cuts that have taken place due to our depressed economy. I feel that educational cuts should be at a minimum for our schools to have supplies and proper staffing, and most importantly our extra-curricular activities. This is very important for those children that are not academically inclined that need the positive aspects of school. Our children need to excel to their potential no matter if they are with or without disabilities. These children all have the ability to be our “Children of Tomorrow.”
What will be your primary goal, if elected (give specifics)? My primary goal if elected will be to be the ears, eyes and spokesperson for Mapleton Elementary School by being the SAD 1 board member for District 2. I want to be that link between Mapleton Elementary teachers, staff, parents and children to the School Board with any issues that may arise.
Why should people vote for you? If the voters of District 2 should vote for me, I would like for them to know that I will work to the best of my ability. I will be an advocate for them and their children. As an SAD 1 graduate myself and having a child that will graduate this year, and another in elementary school, I would like to do all I can to help our district still be Number 1 in my eyes.
Being a nurse, I feel that my interaction with many patients will help me in communicating with others. I went to school with many parents that have children attending SAD 1. I feel confident that these parents will feel comfortable contacting me with any questions or concerns that may arise. I also want teachers and parents of Mapleton Elementary School to know that I will try to be the best advocate that I can and to make our children’s’ education my first priority.
What is your career background? I have worked in several aspects of nursing over the last 20 years. Recently after my fight with breast cancer, I have become board certified to fit mastectomy supplies to those who have suffered from breast cancer. In addition to my nursing, I also fit mastectomy products at my place of work, Full Circle Health Care. This is very gratifying for me that I can give to patients a much-needed service that is very sparse in this area.
