HOULTON, Maine — Three candidates are vying for three seats on the SAD 29 school board on the November ballot. The candidates are Elizabeth Anderson, Cynthia Hillman-Forbush and John Tribou. The following are the candidate’s answers to questions posed by the Houlton Pioneer Times. Similar profiles on those running for Houlton Town Council will appear in next week’s issue.
Full name: Cynthia Hillman-Forbush
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned that will help assist you if elected? Maine School Management Association Board: Resolutions Committee; Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine; National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Representative; Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine (Past President); Association of Teachers of Mathematics in New England (President Elect); 2006 recipient of the Jacqueline Mitchell Excellence in Mathematics Award; 1996, Presidential Award Recipient: Secondary Mathematics; SAD 29 Board of Directors; National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics; and TODOS: Mathematics for All.
What is your career background? Thirty years of educational experience has been dedicated to the specialization of elementary and middle school mathematics. Other career experiences have included special education instruction, kindergarten through grade five instruction, eighth grade mathematics instruction, and executing the role of adjunct professor at the University of Maine, Houlton Center.
Present career responsibilities as a certified mathematics specialist and president of Hillman-Forbush Associates, (a private mathematics consulting business), requires coast-to-coast travel across the United States, utilizing enthusiasm to engage others in life-long mathematical experiences. These responsibilities also include consulting services for administrators using “Administrators Investigating Mathematics,” a program to develop and/or refine the use of observation, supervision, and inquiry skills to support mathematics teaching and learning. Services additionally include sessions in “Assessment for Learning in Mathematics,” where teachers learn to use formative assessments as a method of improving student learning and teacher practice in mathematics, and “Curriculum Selection and Implementation,” which supports schools in selecting, implementing and effectively utilizing high-quality math curriculum programs.
Contracted services in various mathematical program unit trainings, such as enVision, Investigations and Connected Math, as well as coaching, mentoring, demonstration lesson services, action research, study group support, and examining student work are also related career responsibilities.
What made you decide to run for this office? Current issues in education have become overwhelmingly complex and challenging. The skills and knowledge to balance all issues regarding education require individuals who are both familiar and dedicated to meeting issues head on. Running for re-election to the SAD 29 Board of Directors will allow me to continue working and advocating for the education of the children in our community. With my career and life-long dedication to education, I believe I have a lot to offer as a member of the school board.
What do you see as the most important issue facing the school board today and in the next three years (and how will you work to fix it)? Education is the greatest tool that we can provide for our children as they embark on the various paths of life. One major issue for school boards today is to create a long-term vision that will afford our students the essential opportunities to reach their full potential. The board must establish and uphold a structure that supports this vision while empowering its staff. While this path is sometimes clouded and difficult to navigate, it is essential that we have school board representatives who have the dedication to weather the storm and make the appropriate decisions that will ensure success for today, and a brighter tomorrow.
What will be your primary goal, if elected (give specifics)? This position will allow me the opportunity to work in partnership with other board members, staff, students and the community to continue the exciting forward progress of our school. With this opportunity, the goal of making education a priority in SAD 29 is achievable. It will require communication, commitment and advocacy. My goal is to ensure the ongoing commitment of the school district to its students, faculty and staff, and community through communication with access to all. It is important to me to be an advocate for our students and community.
Why should people vote for you? I clearly believe in the value of public education, and I am willing to make the tough decisions that will uphold that value. I have dedicated my entire career to serving and teaching all children as well as teachers. I believe that my beliefs are in line with the interests of the entire school community of SAD 29.
Full name: Elizabeth Anderson
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned that will help assist you if elected? None listed
What is your career background? Insurance and travel consultant
What made you decide to run for this office? I believe public education has always been and continues to be one of the most important areas a person can serve. I am presently on the school board and am seeking re-election.
What do you see as the most important issue facing the school board today and in the next three years (and how will you work to fix it)? What have been traditional financial sources, i.e., federal, state and local government money is rapidly decreasing. The next three years will demand creativity and thoughtful decision-making to preserve our programming to help offset this loss of funds.
What will be your primary goal, if elected (give specifics)? I would like to see our overall academic performance continue to rise and be supportive on the board level to accomplish that goal, whether that comes in the form of assessments, revamping curriculum, staff support, or trying something completely new to move our district ahead.
Why should people vote for you? I am dedicated to SAD 29 and the board process. As a board member I am unafraid to take action and feel strongly that, with a thoughtful and dedicated board, much can be accomplished.
Full name: John E.H. Tribou
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned that will help assist you if elected? Salvation Army Board Member; Houlton Rotary Club President 2009-2010.
What is your career background? I began my career in banking at the then “First Citizen’s Bank.” For the past six years I have been with TD Bank as the branch operations manager.
What made you decide to run for this office? Serving on the school board provides me an opportunity to work with other school board members, district staff and community members. I also have three children within the school system so I have a very vested interest in the education that is provided in this community. I would appreciate the opportunity to serve on the board in order to be involved in the decision making process within the district.
What do you see as the most important issue facing the school board today and in the next three years (and how will you work to fix it)? Balancing the needs of the district while maintaining fiscal responsibility. One of the ways to achieve this is to work collaboratively with the town council in order to fulfill the financial needs of the community.
What will be your primary goal, if elected (give specifics)? Promoting an open line of communication to all members of the community is first. Secondly, encouraging parental and community volunteerism within the district is a must. And thirdly, maintaining and encouraging staff development.
Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I will work to maintain and improve the current system in place so that all children can benefit. I’m committed to the forward momentum the current board has, and look forward to being a part of the positive progress that will happen in the next few years.
