ST. GEORGE MSU SCHOOL BOARD VACANCIES
St. George MSU is a community school district that pledges to do whatever it takes to ensure that every student thrives and to contribute to the vitality and resiliency of the Town of St. George. Since becoming an independent school district in 2015, we have accomplished an incredible amount. These accomplishments, to name a few, including designing and operating a successful high school choice program; increasing social work services for students and families; partnering with community organizations (i.e., Jackson Memorial Library, Herring Gut Learning Center, Blueberry Cove, MidCoast School of Technology, the Apprencticeshop, Hurricane Island, etc.) to enrich, strengthen, and diversify our academic offerings; developing high quality, cost effective special education programs that reduced the need for high cost, out-of-district placements and allow more of our students to attend their community school; expanding the Makerspace Initiative and adding STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) classes; and keeping our school open five days a week last year and this year despite the pandemic.
We have been able to accomplish this thanks to a talented and dedicated staff, the unceasing support of our community, and the dedication and leadership of our School Board. In order to keep moving forward, we need a School Board that continues to be made up of open-minded individuals who will safeguard the public’s trust in our school community by making informed decisions and committing to our mantra: “Excellence. Community. Engagement.” We know that a school that is strong, innovative, and responsive to the community can be the heart of a great town, a source of pride and cohesion.
There will be three vacancies on the St. George MSU School Board this spring. At this time, only one current board member has declared that she will run again. Two of the positions are for a three-year-term. The third position is for one year, at which time you would run again for a three-year-term.
Qualities of a Board Member
The most important quality of a board member is the commitment to provide each child with the best possible education. A successful board member is able to work with others, listen to others, has an open-mind, and is able to discuss issues in order to make decisions that are in the best interest of the children and our school district.
School Board Authority and Responsibilities
School board members only have authority when acting as a full board. It is the responsibility of the board to see that the school is well run. It is not their responsibility to run the school. School boards are responsible for policy development, employing and evaluating the Superintendent, approving the budget, maintaining buildings, and determining the vision and goals as well as standards for the district. Board members also serve on committees (e.g., Finance, Policy, Wellness, etc.) and working groups (e.g., Pre-K, Facilities, High School Transition, Wellness, etc.).
Commitment
The full board meets one evening each month. Board members are expected to have read the material that will be discussed at each meeting. There are additional meetings for workshops, training, and during the budget process in March.
The Election Process
Nomination papers are now available at the Town Office. You simply need to get the nomination papers signed by at least twenty-five (25) registered voters in the Town of St. George and return the signed papers by March 10, 2022, to the Town Office. That puts you on the ballot for voting on the first day of the Town Meeting - May 9, 2022.
For More Information
To get a sense of the scope of our work and the dynamics of the School Board you are welcome to attend a Board or a working group meeting. You may want to read the minutes of some of our School Board meetings or take a look at our policies. You can find them on the St. George MSU website www.stgeorgemsu.org. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any of the current School Board members. You can reach them by email:
- Emily Chadwick, e.chadwick@stgeorgemsu.org
- Kristin Falla, k.falla@stgeorgemsu.org
- Jennifer Garrett, j.garrett@stgeorgemsu.org
- Alane Kennedy, a.kennedy@stgeorgemsu.org
- Shasta Minery, s.minery@stgeorgemsu.org
Sincerely,
Jennifer Garrett, School Board Chair