OAKLAND — Residents on Nov. 2 will decide among candidates running for three different boards, with the school board race drawing three people competing for a single seat.
Laura Tracy, the chairwoman of the Regional School Unit 18 school board, is running for reelection against newcomers Glenn Adams and Matthew Borman.
The RSU 18 district includes the towns of Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Sidney.
“Having a high functioning and effective school system that focuses on academic excellence is one of the best things we can do for our communities, and most importantly for our families and students, as this can set them up for success for the rest of their lives,” Tracy said. “Our towns are able to attract families that want to send their students to the best schools.”
Tracy, a graduate of Messalonskee High School and director of primary care at MaineGeneral Medical Center, has served on the school board for several years.
“It is an important role and one that I take very seriously, and it is the best way that I know of to give back to a community and a school system that is so important to the people in my community,” she said.
Adams said his primary focus if he earns a seat on the board would be “the health and safety of the students, followed by continuing to allow for programs and related opportunities in the arts and athletics, as well as a continued push for STEM-related classwork.”
“I am running for RSU 18 school board mainly because I have four children, grades ranging from pre-K to seven, attending three different schools within the district, and I like the idea of having a voice in their education. My wife is also a former teacher in the district and I have gotten to know many of the staff and families over the years.”
Adams is a member of the UMaine Industrial Advisory Committee for the School of Engineering Technology, a board member of the AGC Education Foundation and has been involved with the development of the Maine College of Engineering, Computing and Information Science.
Borman owns The Thirsty Mule in Oakland and said he believes school boards generally have too much power and that he would be a “voice of reason” in deliberating school issues.
“I have kids in the district and want to see what’s best for them,” Borman said. “I also want to see the teachers and school employees treated as best as possible.”
In other races, the Town Council candidates are Nathan Bernier, Donald Borman, Gerald Harrington and Dana Wrigley. Borman and Wrigley are seeking reelection. Two positions are open on the council.
Matthew Borman is the son of Donald Borman.
Three positions are open on the budget advisory committee, but only two names are on the ballot. Angela Jurdak is seeking reelection to the committee and Daniel Eccher is the other candidate running. The committee chairman, Michael Rossignol, is not seeking another term, nor is Shawn O’Leary.
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