Incumbent Gary Harriman is running unopposed for the MSAD 15 Board of Directors. Here is his candidate profile.
GARY HARRIMAN
OCCUPATION
Videographer/Website Content Manager, RSU14
EDUCATION
UMO, BA, Technical Theater
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS/ SERVICE
MSAD15 School Board Member, Friends of the Shakers Board Member
INTERESTS/ HOBBIES
Reading, Steampunk Lighting, Things Mechanical
FAMILY STATUS
Married, two adult children
WHAT DO YOU THINK OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS ARE DOING RIGHT TO PREPARE STUDENTS? WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED ON?
Our schools are simultaneously doing something right that also needs further improvement. There’s no one educational path to success in life and I think we’ve worked hard over the past several years to provide multiple pathways to prepare our learners for post HS success. Having grown up in the era two choices, 4 year college or the trades, I understand how limiting that system was. Our kids need preparation, access to information and support for whatever direction their passions take them. Whether it’s going to work, a career in the military, a trade or technical school, 2 or 4 year college, the Peace Corp, AmeriCorps or some avenue that has yet to be identified, our job is to try to give our kids the tools to be successful. We’ve made some great strides in guidance, curriculum and expanded opportunities outside the classroom but we can’t be satisfied. There are still improvements to be made.
IS THERE A PARTICULAR ISSUE OR INTEREST THAT MOTIVATES YOU TO RUN FOR SCHOOL BOARD?
In a time of community concerns and polarization I think school boards need to be careful to remember that their purpose is to provide the best education possible for the children they represent. Kids don’t learn if they’re hungry. Kids don’t learn if they feel unsafe whether at school, on the bus or at home. Kids don’t learn if their housing is insecure. Kids don’t learn if they’re abusing substances. None of these areas are the “three Rs” but if our job is to educate and try to prepare our kids for a future after they leave MSAD15 then we must try to provide help where we can.
WHAT ARE THREE GOALS YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TERM? I’d like to see a successful bond passed to allow needed improvements to our High School Performing Arts Facility, Cafeteria and Athletic Fields. I’d like to see our IB (International Baccalaureate) program expanded into the Middle School. And I’d like to see continued improvement in aligning our curriculum from K-12.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL?
My favorite subject tended to vary depending upon who was teaching it. I had a great Geometry teacher and a couple OF wonderful English teachers, all of whom made the classes memorable.
