Three Year Term
Name: William (Bill) E. Benson
Address: 50 Flaggy Meadow Rd.
Education: Master of Military Arts and Sciences – Advanced Operational Art, Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS; M.A. – Education, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN; Diploma – Russian Language 47 week course, Defense Language Institute, Monterey California; B.A. – Political Science, University of New Hampshire
Personal: Married, Parent of two Gorham school students and one recent graduate; Author, Leadership Lab, Iraq: Lessons in organizational leadership and countersinsurgency; Eagle Scout
Employment: Small business owner and operator of a manufacturing company located in the Gorham industrial park. Through this business we have hired multiple Gorham residents and graduates of the Gorham school system; 24 years on active duty in the United States Army leading organizations of 30-3800 soldiers. Responsible for all operations, training, logistics, facilities, legal, medical, technological and disciplinary issues. 42+ months deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Retired Colonel.
Political and community experience: Since moving to Gorham in 2014 I have supported the Gorham High School boosters through volunteering and fundraising and become active as a member of the Gorham Business Exchange. In 2016 I was the speaker at the Gorham Veteran’s Day remembrance ceremony and have also been invited as a guest speaker by the Gorham Historical Society and the Gorham Republican Committee. I proudly donate time as an active volunteer with Boy Scout Troop 73 and have given voice to local issues through letters to the editor in the Gorham Times and an OPED in the Portland Press Herald.
What do you see as the major issues for our community and how do you plan to address these issues?
I see the mission of the School Committee as providing an exceptional educational experience to students while remaining fiscally responsible to all Gorham residents. In other words, to offer the best education at a reasonable cost.
As a product of a public school system I am deeply committed to a robust public education. As a business owner in the wood manufacturing industry, I am also committed to ensuring students have access and exposure to vocational educational experiences to prepare those who are inclined for work in the trades.
I believe exceptional education is only possible with exceptional teachers and administrators; and so, attracting and retaining top talent in our schools should be among our most important priorities. While discussion has already begun on the potential for a new high school it will be important to consider all options—building, repurposing, remodeling—so that we don’t overburden the tax base or hamstring the town with a school budget that commits to a new facility at the expense of other priorities.
As a parent whose three children have attended public schools across four different states I am confident in saying that Gorham schools and teachers do an excellent job educating our children. As a School Committee member I would commit to ensuring this excellence continues through the support of our teachers while remaining fiscally responsible to all Gorham residents.
Name: Billie M. Capozza
Address: 57 Wagner Farm Rd.
Education: B.S. Sports/ Entertainment and Event Management from Johnson & Wales, Providence, RI
Personal: I have lived in Gorham for five years with my husband, Joe and our three kids, Julia (6), Joe (4) and Tommy (9 mo). I am originally from Minnesota, and my parents have also moved to Gorham from Minnesota to be closer to us. When we have time to relax, you will find our family out at Chebeague Island enjoying the short Maine summers.
Employment: I am the Special Events Director at Cheverus High School in Portland. I work in the development office and help fund-raise for financial assistance. Working in a high school that is private has taught me a tremendous amount about community. I also hold my associate brokers real estate license with Better Homes and Gardens, in Gorham.
Political and Community Experience: This is my first time running for any type of office; it is all brand new to me. I am looking for a way to get involved and to make a difference. I have community experience through being a real estate agent that has given me the opportunity to see our community through the market’s eyes. My experience while working at a private school has allowed me to see education from an operational perspective while also interacting in a large community of alumni, current students and student’s parents.
What do you see as the major issues for our community and how do you plan to address these issues?
Last year when my daughter was in Kindergarten, and was our first child going through school, there was talk about moving five of the students in her grade from Narragansett to Village. This was concerning and was a sign that our small community was growing a little faster than expected. Our family built a house here in 2012 and my husband and I look forward to raising our children in this community. When we got the news of the possible change all I could think about was, is my daughter going to have change schools? Are there any long-term plans? Will the fast growing community adversely affect our children’s education?
When I saw there was an opportunity to join the School Committee, I couldn’t help but think I could make a difference. My perspective as a young parent, experience in education and the planning skills I have learned throughout my professional career would be of great value as part of a team to guide our growing town and schools for the years to come!
Name: Michael J. Lewin
Address: 31 Calisa Ln
Education: Enrolled in Online Business Administration Program at UMPI
Personal: I was born in Millinocket and grew up in South Paris. After a decade in the Portland area, my wife, Amey, and I choose to put down roots and raise our family in Gorham. We love the community and the quality of the schools. Our daughter is a kindergartner at Great Falls.
Employment: Hannaford Brothers, Produce Manager
Political and Community Experience: I was active in town government as a teenager, serving on various town committees and volunteering for the town. In recent years my community service has been focused on food security, especially for children.
What do you see as the major issues for our community and how do you plan to address these issues?
Growth is the biggest concern for our schools and community. I’ve been knocking on doors, and people are talking about the High School. Growth in the primary level is very strong. I’m happy to see so many people in the community considering the needs of the schools, and hope to organize ideas and continue serving the planning work done to date.
Gorham schools have a tradition of excellence. I’m learning more about K-5 curriculum and proficiency based learning. My greatest hope is to work hard and serve the needs of our town. Please forward your thoughts and ideas for our schools. My email is: mikelewinmaine@gmail.com.
Name: Kate M. Livingston
Address: 10 William Henry Dr
Education: B.A. in Human Development from Boston College
Personal: My family has lived in Gorham for the past six years. My husband, Aron, and I have two children currently attending Village Elementary School.
Employment: Presently I am a stay at home mom. Previously I was employed as an Admissions Counselor at The University of Tampa, and a Child Mental Health Case Manager at Sweetser.
Political and Community Experience: For the past three years, I have been volunteering for the Gorham school district. This spring I started the Support Gorham Schools Facebook Group to help keep people informed about happenings with our school system. In November of 2016, I helped to coordinate the Gorham Educational Foundation Trivia Night.
What do you see as the major issues for our community and how do you plan to address these issues?
As our schools grow the needs of our students, teachers and administrators are also growing and changing. It is important for our community to feel supported during this time. In order to accomplish this, I believe we need to strengthen the relationship between the School Committee and Town Council. A strong and cohesive liaison between the two can effectively address our rapid and continued growth by communicating current needs and changes. The Gorham School Committee should strive to offer as many exciting educational opportunities to its students, the future residents of Gorham, as financially possible. I am confident that I possess the skills and ambition to assist in achieving this goal. I plan to continue volunteering in our school system in various capacities during my term as a School Committee Member. This will give me a unique view on the pulse of our school system and the changing needs.
Name: Jennifer L. Whitehead
Address: 30 Gateway Commons Dr.
Education: B.A. University of Southern Maine; M.A. Drexel University; M.Ed. Hunter College
Personal: Husband, Elijah, and three children in elementary school
Employment: Formerly a Special Education Teacher and Reading Specialist for NYC public school system. Currently a stay-at-home mother.
Political and Community Experience: Five years volunteering at Narragansett school in classrooms and PIE, Co-Director of the Narragansett 5K, 1 Mile and Fun Run, Leader of the Women’s Ministry at LifeChurch, Formerly the Secretary of the Board of Directors of our NYC Co-op, Gateway Commons Homeowner’s Association Board member
What do you see as the major issues for our community and how do you plan to address these issues?
The town of Gorham is an ideal place to live. We have a strong community and an excellent school system. It is no wonder why we are one of the fastest growing towns in Maine. Growth is good but we need to make sure we properly manage the challenges that it presents. As a member of the School Committee, I would work hard to build a fiscally responsible budget while providing the funding and resources necessary to accommodate the increasing enrollment in our school system. Gorham will benefit from a proactive and cooperative approach with the Town Council and School Committee working together to ensure we maintain excellence in our growing school system.
A related issue is the lack of physical space in our high school. During the September School Committee meeting, we learned that a closet in the high school had to be turned into a classroom. With our enrollments drastically increasing every year, we have no choice but to remedy the lack of space as soon as possible.
From my experience as a classroom teacher, I learned there are always new challenges that will arise within our education system. If you elect me as your next School Committee member, I will strive to find creative solutions to issues as they arise. We have a tremendous amount of resources within our town including businesses and citizens that are eager to invest in our children. We are also fortunate to have the University of Southern Maine here in Gorham. I would be dedicated to creating partnerships that would be mutually beneficial to the students of Gorham and USM.
One Year Term
Name: Aaron J. Carlson
Address: 37 Black Brook Road
Education: B.A. in Math & B.S. in Secondary Education, University of Maine; MBA, Penn State University
Personal: Gorham resident for three years; Married to Michelle Inman Carlson; Three children – 2nd grader and twins in pre-kindergarten
Employment: Director of Operations and Financial Analyst/Manager, IBM; Career Services Advisor, Maine Community College System
Political and Community Experience: I am a Gorham Rec volunteer coach for soccer and baseball. I previously coached in Westbrook
and Presque Isle. I was an active participant throughout last spring’s Gorham school budget process that maintained manageable elementary school classroom sizes. For that effort, I earned the nickname “Finance Guy.” I volunteer for Safe Families for Children through Life Church. I participated in this year’s inaugural We Love Gorham day. I have volunteered for two Presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2016. Past wish granter for Make-A-Wish of Maine.
What do you see as the major issues for our community and how do you plan to address these issues?
Our biggest challenge is addressing the growing student population in Gorham. With four of five schools near or beyond their intended capacities, we must deal with the implications this has on classroom sizes, staffing levels and space requirements. We must also develop a long-term plan addressing population growth that invests in our children while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
My first priority will always be our students. We should strive to provide every child a world-class education preparing them to be life-long learners, engaged citizens and ready to compete in tomorrow’s workforce. Research supports that students with smaller classroom sizes and diverse course offerings have higher success rates. Ensuring that classroom sizes are manageable and that teachers have the resources they need is key to ensuring our children are successful.
Secondly, I will work to increase communication across Gorham’s elected and volunteer committees including the School Committee, Town Council and Planning Board. There must be ongoing collaboration among these groups to align long-term plans.
Finally, my short and long-term plans will always have the taxpayers in mind. Gorham needs to remain affordable for current residents
while continuing to be a desirable destination for new families and businesses.
I built my career in finance and operations on my problem-solving skills. Working in the rapidly changing Information Technology industry requires creative and agile ways to address new challenges. I’ll bring that same approach to the School Committee to help our teachers and staff deliver a world-class education at a reasonable cost. Whether it’s a school budget in the millions or a sales target in the billions, I pride myself on achieving hard to reach goals.
Your support on election day would be greatly appreciated. I would be honored to work for you and our students.
Name: Dennis C. Libby
Address: 9 Queen Street
Education: Attended Bentley College
Personal: Married to wife, Denise, and have three children: Gabrielle, a senior at Colby Sawyer College, Narissa, a freshman at Lasell College, and Nevin a freshman at Gorham High School
Employment: Maintenance Manager at Woodfords Family Services
Political and Community Experience: School Committee for 12 years, four of those as Chair. I have served on all of the subcommittees and I am currently a member of the Finance and Policy Committees. I have served on several district level committees including: All Day Kindergarten, 21st Century, K-5 transition, Pre-school, the Great Falls building committee, and have successfully negotiated nine union contracts. I was Chair of the Superintendent search committee and several other district search committees. Before the School Committee, I was a member of Narragansett PIE group and helped to construct the Narragansett playgrounds and many other school projects.
What do you see as the major issues for our community and how do you plan to address these issues?
There are many school issues facing our community including the full implementation of proficiency based education with a state mandated PBL diploma starting with the class of 2021, a possible extended school day, and changes to start times to address the issue of lack of sleep in our teenage population to name a few, but a major issue for our community is the growth of our District.
In the short term, the significant increase to our elementary school population has placed great strains to our district. It has raised lots of questions around class size, space for additional classrooms, possible reconfiguration, and the necessity to provide adequate staffing levels while also being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers.
In the longer term, our growth has led to looking at both middle school and high school facilities as we prepare for those larger elementary school class sizes moving into the other grade spans. The District is well underway in working to address the already overcrowded high school through a major capital project and looking at our enrollment trends will help lead discussions about the scope of that project.
New members will quickly learn that the workload is tremendous, but very rewarding. I have recently changed positions within my company and to be sure that I can maintain a balance with my work, home and School Committee responsibilities, I have decided to run for the one-year position this year.
My experience on the School Committee will prove very valuable to the District if re-elected, but I believe my greatest strength is working with others on challenges. I often ask the tough, but sometimes not the most popular questions because I believe they lead to well-informed decisions. I hope you support me in continuing on the School Committee.