There are two candidates running for two open seats on the school board.
Here are the profiles for Adam Copp and Theresa Lacadie.
NAME. Adam Copp
OCCUPATION. Owner, Howell’s Indoor Range & Gun Shop
EDUCATION. James W. Russell School, Gray; Greely High School, University of Maine Orono
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS/ SERVICE. Current School Board member serving on the Personnel and Finance committees.
INTERESTS/HOBBIES. Hunting, Fishing, Shooting
FAMILY STATUS. Married with two children in & entering the district
WHAT TO YOU THINK OUR SCHOOLS ARE DOING RIGHT TO EDUCATE OUR STUDENTS? WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED ON?
We do a great job offering more than a “one size fits all” approach. From IB to Alternative Pathways, I think we do a good job catering to our students and helping lay a path to the destination they wish to arrive at. I think an area of improvement could potentially be getting more information into the community on alternative offerings we do have and attracting some of the students in our community but not in our district.
IS THERE A PARTICULAR INTEREST OR ISSUE THAT MOTIVATES YOU TO RUN FOR SCHOOL BOARD?
I tuck my motivation for running for School Board into bed every night.
WHAT ARE THREE GOALS YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TERM?
I think we could streamline the on boarding process of new board members so we can put their talents and experiences to work faster. I believe we can do a better job showing the community the wins of the district & show some of the good things we are doing ie. Recently being ranked the #6 High School in Maine. I am excited about the new business manager position and am looking forward to hitting the ground running and seeing the projected benefits come to fruition.
STAFF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION CONTINUE TO PLAGUE OUR DISTRICT, AS WELL AS OTHERS. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN TEACHERS, AIDES, BUS DRIVERS AND OTHERS TO MSAD 15 SCHOOLS?
Having been on the Negotiation Team for the new 3 Year Support Staff Contract, we made sure we are now very competitive in Cumberland County and other surrounding towns. The goal to attract and retain was one of the main focuses of our meetings. The amount of preparation by the team leading into negotiations set an impressive standard. I believe when it comes to staff, if we continue to prepare with that amount of effort, with that goal in mind, we will be a leader amongst our cohort.
THE BOARD HAS BEEN TAKING INPUT FROM STUDENTS, STAFF AND THE COMMUNITY TO ASSESS NEEDS AS PART OF DEVELOPING A FACILITIES BOND PROPOSAL. WHAT PRIORITIES IN THE DISTRICT’S CURRENT DRAFT PROPOSAL DO YOU SUPPORT AND WHY?
I support making smart investments where they’re needed and I think that a rising tide raises all ships. Feedback from the students and staff highlighted Cafeteria Improvements, Performing Arts Space & Athletic Facilities as priorities. If the community addresses priorities of the students/staff, retention & recruitment becomes less of a burden, absenteeism will dip, and it will bring more students in our community, into our district. All signs point to more small business moving in to take advantage of the success of the district while also helping shoulder the tax burden.
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NAME. Theresa Lacadie
OCCUPATION. Stay-at-Home-Mom
EDUCATION. Saint Anselm College, Manchester NH, BA 1987; Braintree High (Mass.), 1983
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS/ SERVICE. MSAD15 Patriot Parent (6 years, various events, etc) Past: Dunn School -volunteered weekly with other moms to compile take home packets/notices -volunteered as needed for field trips, etc. Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science, – PTO Treasurer (3 years) – volunteered in son’s classes, chaperoned field trips, covered front desk, etc. Fiddlehead Center of the Arts – Children’s Theater Program – volunteered during 3 productions (green room, concessions, etc.) Mom to Mom of Maine, – member Board of Directors (4 years) – Treasurer (3 of the 4 years)
INTERESTS/ HOBBIES. Traveling, cheering on our son at his sporting events, seeing live theater or concerts, reading, movies, time at camp on the lake, and visits with family & friends.
FAMILY STATUS. Married, one son.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OUR SCHOOLS ARE DOING RIGHT TO EDUCATE OUR STUDENTS? WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED ON?
From the outside looking in I can say our child has thrived in the district (since joining as a 3rd grader). I will say I think teachers need to really be heard; they are in the trenches so to speak. They see where their students are at. It seems sometimes that education has shifted to data collecting and maybe we need less standardized testing and more of letting teachers truly teach.
IS THERE A PARTICULAR ISSUE OR INTEREST THAT MOTIVATES YOU TO RUN FOR SCHOOL BOARD?
A desire to be part of the process. This community welcomed me when I moved here in 2005 and even more so after our son joined our family. It’s a chance for me to give back in some small way. I’m not coming in to reinvent the wheel. Our board has been effective, professional, and I want to be part of that process
WHAT ARE THREE GOALS YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TERM?
I want to seamlessly join the board; I want to learn more about how & why decisions are made, and I want to be effective in whatever role I am given.
STAFF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION CONTINUE TO PLAGUE OUR DISTRICT, AS WELL AS OTHERS. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NOST EFFECTIVE WAYS TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN TEACHERS, AIDES, BUS DRIVERS AND OTHERS TO MSAD15 SCHOOLS?
I think the district is doing the best that it can given the culture and times we are living in. Pay & benefits obviously have to be competitive. The employees have to feel supported and appreciated to stay with the district.
THE BOARD HAS BEEN TAKING IMPUT FROM STUDENTS, STAFF AND THE COMMUNITY TO ASSESS NEEDS AS PART OF DEVELOPING A FACILITIES BOND PROPOSAL. WHAT PRIORITIES IN THE DISTRICT’S CURRENT DRAFT PROPOSAL DO YOU SUPPORT AND WHY?
I responded to the survey when it was sent out by the school district’s central office and, after reviewing the results on the district website, I find myself being part of the cohort that shows the “strongest enthusiasm for a bond that would address all four needs at the high school, including gym, fields, kitchen, and arts.“ The needs are real and should all be addressed. I hope the community votes in favor of the bond when it is presented on the ballot.
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~ Debra Smith
