Two candidates for the only contested SAD 1 school board seat

Terry Sandusky (left) and Janet Willette are vying for a SAD 1 school board seat for Ward 3. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky, Janet Willette)

Along with the presidential and legislative elections, voters in MSAD 1 (Presque Isle, Mapleton, Chapman, Castle Hill and Westfield) will choose candidates for nine of its 17 school board seats.

Only one of these races is contested. Incumbent Terry Sandusky and candidate Janet Willette are running in Ward 3.

There are also open seats in the following areas, with the candidates unopposed: Ward 4, Michael Ouellette; Section 8, Brandy Cronin; Section 13, Desiree Albert; and Section 15, John Johnston.

No candidate is presented in sections 7, 10, 14 and 17. There will be spaces for writing on the ballot papers.

To help voters be better informed, The Star-Herald is inviting candidates in contested races to share their opinions. We asked Sandusky and Willette the same questions with a 350-word limit. Here are their answers in alphabetical order.

Terry Sandusky

Age: 79

Education: Master of Science in Clinical Psychological Services and Master in Public Administration

Occupation: retired regional director of developmental disabilities services; he currently volunteers for the main office of the ombudsman

Family: Wife Susanne, son Don, daughter Jennie, three grandchildren

Why are you running for school board? I have had a wonderful family life and work career. I have been grateful for my life experiences. My service on the SAD 1 board is a way to thank and express my gratitude to the educators who taught me and prepared me for a rewarding and productive adult life.

Mapleton became our hometown 47 years ago and in order for it to continue to thrive and grow, the children of our neighborhood need the same opportunity to receive a quality education that I did in my youth. To make this opportunity possible, I adopted a motto, “committed to keeping children at the center of every decision.” I am committed to providing our children with the best teachers, the best educational materials and equipment, and the safest school facilities.

Our high school was named a National School of Excellence and our agricultural science program has become a National Showcase Program. Our computer technology and instruction continue to lead the state, and our student dropout rates have decreased. The percentage of students seeking higher education and vocational and technical training continues to increase. This preparation for adulthood will continue to improve the quality of life in Mapleton and the District. I believe that my experience and commitment to the school board is what is needed to continue the quality educational experiences that our children and youth are receiving.

What are the top three educational priorities you want to address if elected? 1. Continue to employ the best student-centered team of educators, administrators, and support staff to provide the highest quality educational program for our children and youth. 2. Provide schools that support and collaborate with families respecting their personal values ​​and religious beliefs. 3. Demand the most effective and optimal use of tax funds provided in SAD 1.

Janet L. Ouellette

Age: 45

Education: Bachelor of Science with a major in recreation from the University of Maine at Presque Isle

Occupation: Columbia Forest Products

Family: two children 11th grade son and 4th grade daughter.

Why are you running for school board? Having been a K-12 student, volunteer, and employee, I want the positive experiences I had with MSAD 1 to continue for my children and other children.

What are the top three educational priorities you want to address if elected? Student learning, policy making and budgeting.

Referendum and voting hours

Voters in SAD 1 will also see a local school referendum question about the Presque Isle Tech Center.

The question asks: “The school board of Regional School Unit 79/MSAD 1 shall be authorized to issue bonds or notes in the name of the RSU for minor capital purposes in an amount not to exceed $708,696 to acquire standard advanced equipment of the industry to modernize them?programs at the Presque Isle Technical Center and train students for careers in high-demand fields?

The district was approved to receive about $700,000 in equipment bond funding from the Maine Department of Education, according to a letter sent to the school, parents and the community by Superintendent Ben Greenlaw.

The technology center will use the funds for equipment for the school farm, including a service truck, tractor, sprayer, planter and hay baler, paid for by the education department at no cost to taxpayers. indicates in the letter.

A public hearing on the question is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the Presque Isle Middle School auditorium.

Polls will be open on Election Day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Sargent Family Community Center in Presque Isle. At the Mapleton-Castle Hill-Chapman Fire Station, Mapleton residents will vote from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Castle Hill residents from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Chapman voters will vote from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chapman Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club. Westfield residents can vote from 10 am to 8 pm at the Westfield Municipal Office.