Meet Your June 2022 School Board Candidates

On June 14, 2022, Gray citizens will head to the polls for not only a State primary and potential referendum election and to elect the newest member of the Gray Town Council, but also re-elect members of the MSAD 15 School Board. 

Three candidates are running for re-election: Cole Chandler, Will Burrow, and James Manzer. While these candidates are facing no opposition for their seats, they nevertheless answered some questions that help explain to voters why they think they should be re-elected to the School Board. 

Why do you like serving on the School Board? 

Chandler: "I enjoy speaking with different members of the Gray-New Gloucester community, listening to their concerns, and considering any feedback they may have.  Bringing their voice to the table and making sure they are heard is important."

Burrow: "It is a useful way to be part of our larger community. It is a good use of my time and my talents. The Board is a key element in the education of children, and it allows me to have a voice in how that education takes place. 

Manzer: "I like serving on the School Board because I am concerned about the quality of the education that our young people are receiving and the rising costs of education. I like to bring a different perspective as a person who has spent his entire career working in the private sector in various industries throughout the state."

What does it take to be an effective School Board member?

Chandler: "I believe a School Board member should be an active member of the community and have a basic knowledge of how a school department operates.  This person should also be willing to volunteer their time and use their experience to best meet the needs of the district."

Burrow: "Listen. Be patient. Be respectful of different perspectives. Be knowledgeable on a variety of topics and issues. Compromise, when appropriate."

Manzer: "It helps if you like to learn new things that are outside your area of expertise but also bring to the table some unique background in finance, facilities, personnel, or management. With 30 years of experience in mechanical, civil, and traffic engineering and an MBA, serving on the School Board seemed like an effective way to utilize those skills outside of my career."

Why are School Boards important for communities?

Chandler: "School Boards are important for communities for many reasons.  The School Board approves the annual budget, curriculum, and also works with the Superintendent to ensure our staff and students have a safe, secure, and positive educational environment to work and learn in."

Burrow: "The Board is the place where educators and the community meet and come to an agreement on how the educational process will be implemented."

Manzer: "School Boards should provide meaningful oversight of the school administration and reflect the values and priorities of the community."

Why should voters turn out for the June election?

Chandler: "Voting for the candidate you believe in is your way of having a say and making a difference in your community. 

Burrow: "The June election is a referendum on the state of education in Gray and New Gloucester. It is a time when members are elected or re-elected for the next three years. Most critically, it is a time to approve the budget for the coming year.  These related events are a way for voters to say if we have done our jobs and improved the quality of life in our two communities. Voting is a responsibility of citizenship, and in many ways the June election will have as much impact on each citizen as the elections that garner more attention."

Manzer: "Local issues generally are more prominent in June elections and an informed citizen can have a greater impact in these elections that are not overshadowed by national or state political races."