Voters in four towns will choose their representatives for the Maine School Administrative District board of directors Tuesday, June 9, at their respective polling places.
There are two vacancies in Paris, two write-in candidates for one position in Norway, two candidates are for one position in Otisfield, and an incumbent is seeking reelection in Oxford.
Longtime Director Curtis Cole, of Norway, is not seeking reelection to represent Norway, saying he is not able to commit to a three-year term. No nomination papers were filed in time to be added to the ballot, but Jeff Texeira and Madyson Mitchell are campaigning as write-in candidates.
Texeira cited his qualifications to serve, saying, “I am a retired educator of elementary, middle school and adult ed classrooms. My work experience includes teaching in three different languages. I have resided in Norway for four years.”
Asked about his priorities as a director, he said, “We need to provide all of our students with as rich a learning environment as possible. It is important to seek grants and state resources to counter cuts in federal funding. I believe it is also critical to keep our students and our staff safe from physical threats and outside meddling.”
Among the challenges and opportunities for SAD 17, he said, “As a district with so many below poverty and at-risk students and families, it is important to resist privatization trends that drain education resources. Children in public schools have the highest needs.”
Mitchell described herself as a 25-year-old single mother who works “independently across systems research, policy writing, reform analysis, and creative strategy — no institutional affiliation, no formal credentials beyond a GED I earned while raising a newborn. I specialize in finding new frameworks for old problems, which is exactly why I’m running.”
Her priorities as a director, she said, include: “community involvement – bring real Maine workers into education so kids learn practical skills from people doing the work; cost-effective enrichment — find affordable alternatives that expand student knowledge without straining the budget; real-world readiness — give kids tools to regulate their emotions, disagree calmly and factually, and understand the financial and professional world before it catches them off guard.”
Among district challenges and opportunities, Mitchell said, “The American school system was built on a totalitarian factory model designed to produce compliant workers. It served its purpose during industrialization but now actively cripples our students and our economy. We need more open structure, relevant coursework, and real-world opportunities that reflect the world kids are actually entering.
“SAD 17 has an opportunity to develop sharp, confident adults by prioritizing communication skills — debate, public speaking, the ability to pivot, negotiate, and disagree productively. These skills make the difference in every area of adult life and we’re not teaching them.”
Paris Directors Doreen Simmons and Christie Wessels are not seeking reelection and no nomination papers were filed in time to be added to the ballot so there may be write-in candidates.
Otisifled Director Mike Newsomis not seeking reelection, prompting Ellen Burnham and Kelly Crockett to run for the position.
Burnham cited his connections to the district, saying, “I have been involved in SAD 17 for 30 years, as a parent, substitute teacher, after-school program manager, volunteer, Otisfield PTA president, and with Oxford Hills’ Music/Arts/Drama Boosters Club, including serving as its president.
“I now run a local nonprofit and work with local schools and caseworkers to help fill the gaps between what our kids have and need.”
His priorities as a director are to “lobby to increase community involvement; provide more transparency to the public; and work to solve bullying issues facing our children in school.”
As for challenges and opportunities for the district, he said, “They are the same as other Maine districts: tighter and tighter budgets and expenses that keep climbing. Taxpayers pay more every year. Pockets are getting tighter and this has never been a wealthy area.
“That being said, this community amazes me every day. Many of us don’t have much to give and yet, we give so much. That is, in my opinion, our biggest opportunity. This community cares about its kids and about other community members, and from what I’ve seen, many folks are passionate about what goes on in this district.
Crockett cited her educational experience, saying, “I have been a public school teacher for 30 years with experience in curriculum and student support. I bring insight into how school board decisions shape daily operations and student success.”
Her top three priorities as a director, she said, are “student-centered decision making, strong collaboration with families and the community, and fiscal responsibility. With clear goals and shared effort, we can support students while using taxpayer dollars wisely.”
“The challenges we face,” she said, “include rising costs and growing pressure on local taxpayers, while also responding to the changing needs of our students. We must ensure we have enough qualified support staff, including substitutes and bus drivers. Addressing this will require careful budgeting, strong community partnerships, and a steady focus on students. Our biggest opportunity is to build on what’s working by managing resources responsibly.
In Oxford, Gay De Hart is unopposed for reelection.
