We are a group of Sunapee community members who have come together to speak with one voice to ask the voters of Sunapee to vote “yes” on Article 3. We are a diverse group of students, alumni, parents, grandparents, educators, local business owners and retirees who all support the plan the Sunapee School Board has proposed.
Education has changed greatly since the last renovation of the elementary school in 1983. It is a true safety concern that we are not able to keep our children under one roof throughout the school day. The elementary school also needs space to provide a myriad of services that were not a required part of education when the school was first built.
The plan the Sunapee School Board has proposed is the result of three years of work with architects, engineers and other professionals and includes bringing the building’s major systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire panel) up to code. The project will also make all areas of the building ADA compliant. The proposed building project will take advantage of grant funding for a biomass heating solution and, together with the federal ESSER funds, will create a school building that will provide for Pre-K through 12 education in Sunapee for the foreseeable future.
We believe in public education. We believe it is a responsibility, a privilege and an honor to provide for the public education of our community’s young people. And we believe now is the time to build a safe learning environment for our children. Please join us in voting “yes” on Article 3.
Jean Molloy
Sunapee
This letter was signed by Peg Austin, Kirk Bishop, Shaun Carroll, Caitlin Clapp, Jen Correa and 15 other Sunapee community members.
We have an opportunity to elect two outstanding candidates for the three-year term on the Plainfield School Board: Jenny Ramsey and Andrew Martin. Jenny Ramsey has served for three terms with distinction during the COVID-19 crisis. Andrew Martin, whose name does not appear on the ballot, is a write-in candidate. (You will need to write in his full name for the three-year term under Jenny’s name.)
Andrew has the experience and character to contribute to the good work being done by the school board.
He is a critical care nurse at DHMC and has worked for Doctors Without Borders as a health care and humanitarian worker in Sierra Leone and Haiti. Andrew has two young children, and he has volunteered in the Plainfield School teaching nature study and science. He has also worked with young people in the Whaleback FAST program. He comes without an agenda or ideology and just wants to give back to his community.
Andrew wants to use his skills of empathy and collaboration to work with teachers, students, parents and other board members to advocate for an outstanding education for every student in an equitable, inspiring and safe environment. He believes in and supports public education.
Vote on March 8 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Plainfield School. You may also request an absentee ballot by marking disability because of fear of COVID-19 by going to the Town Hall by Friday, March 4 (open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). You may either vote there or request an absentee ballot you can mail.
Susan Taylor
Plainfield
On Tuesday, March 8, Lebanon voters will again have the opportunity to end the district’s School Resource Officer (SRO) Program.
Last year, the Lebanon community voted to discontinue the program. However, the vote was advisory only, and the board had the final say. Despite testimony expressing the professional opinion of social workers, teachers and psychologists regarding the harm of policing in schools and, most disheartening, despite a strong statement from Lebanon’s students of color, the board voted 5-4 to keep the SRO program.
This year, according to the school district’s attorney, the vote will again be advisory only. If this is true, a strong vote to discontinue the SRO program and voting in the right board candidate will be key.
That said, board members Jenica Nelan and Martha DiDomenico, both entrenched in their support of the SRO program, are up for reelection. Nelan’s conduct on the board has been particularly concerning. Last year, when fellow board member Stephen Kantor suggested an equity audit of the school district, Nelan dismissed the suggestion. The district moved forward with an audit despite Nelan’s objection.
Further, during the board’s most recent budget discussions, Nelan proposed removing funds for a social worker in favor of the SRO position. She made this proposal even though it is widely acknowledged that many students are currently experiencing mental health crises, and Lebanon has no school social workers. Funds for both the social worker and the SRO remain in the budget.
On the other hand, school board candidate and retired elementary school teacher Mary Edes, responding to a Q&A from Lebanon’s Democrats, recommended a social worker at each of Lebanon’s schools. This one suggestion from candidate Edes shows that she understands and prioritizes the needs of our students. Nelan and DiDomenico failed to respond to the Q&A.
So Lebanon voters, you have good reason to go to the polls on March 8. Vote YES on Article 6 to end the SRO program and vote for school board candidate Mary Edes as the best choice to support Lebanon’s kids.
Kathleen Beckett
Lebanon