Candidate’s official name and address, employment, education, and personal information:
Mia DeSanctis | 139 Quincy Drive | Currently employed at Sullivan House Bakery; past employment at Gorham School Department | 1987-High School graduate | Married with son and 3 pets.
How long have you lived in Gorham?
18 years
Why are you running for School Committee?
I’m passionate about fostering students’ success in their journey through adolescence and young adulthood. My combined experience as a student, parent, prior school department employee and community member provides me with a valuable and unique perspective on the needs of the schools and community.
How can the Town Council and School Committee balance the needs of the schools with those of the taxpayers?
Not an easy question for sure. It is important to keep Gorham desirable for every community member. Start by working together having open-minded, honest discussions prioritizing needs vs. wants for both entities. Remember that they may be separate entities but are not opposing groups…we are one Gorham.
What is the major issue facing the schools today, and how can it be addressed?
Resource allocation. Simplify…stop taking on more initiatives. Allow teachers to concentrate on teaching. Less meetings for all staff; keep administrators in their buildings. Provide students and staff with the tools they need (physical, emotional, intellectual, etc.) to be successful.
Candidate’s official name and address, employment, education, and personal information:
Michelle Littlefield | 15 Burton Dr | Technology consultant | Michelle has a bachelor’s from the University of Maine and an MBA from SNHU | She has two children in Gorham Schools.
How long have you lived in Gorham?
I grew up in Scarborough, lived in Gorham over 10 years.
Why are you running for School Committee?
I volunteered in Gorham Schools last year and have seen the joys and challenges our educators face. Gorham is an amazing town, our schools a big reason why people choose to live here. We need creative ideas to support town growth and keep student outcomes in mind as we evolve.
How can the Town Council and School Committee balance the needs of the schools with those of the taxpayers?
These bodies need to work together toward solutions, namely identifying ways to increase revenue and shift burden off residential. We must also identify and eliminate real waste across the town and school budgets. Our budget process needs more clarity and transparency, more resident participation, and we need data-driven, creative solutions.
What is the major issue facing the schools today, and how can it be addressed?
Beyond growth/budget challenges already discussed, we need to be weary of educator burnout. To achieve student outcomes, we need to retain the best teachers. Gorham has some of the best educators and has been awarded as a great place to work. We must keep it a great place to work!
Candidate’s official name and address, employment, education, and personal information:
Sarah B. Perkins | Bridle Path Way | Executive Vice President/COO at TruChoice Credit Union | Graduate of UMaine at Orono | Lifelong Maine resident and mother of two Gorham school students
How long have you lived in Gorham?
6 years
Why are you running for School Committee?
I’m seeking re-election to continue serving our community. I believe that a strong and vibrant school system translates into a strong and vibrant community. I hope to use the knowledge I’ve gained serving on numerous committees and as School Committee Chairperson to benefit our children and our entire community.
How can the Town Council and School Committee balance the needs of the schools with those of the taxpayers?
It will take much more than cutting expenses to ensure a fiscally sustainable future for Gorham. We need to focus on attracting more businesses and exploring new ideas to increase revenue beyond residential property taxes. Collaboration has already begun on this and I’m passionate about seeing it through.
What is the major issue facing the schools today, and how can it be addressed?
The major issue is how to balance the many issues facing our schools – student needs, increasing costs, aging facilities, retaining staff… These issues cannot be solved by any one group. Only together can we balance the needs of our children and taxpayers so everyone has a future in Gorham.
Candidate’s official name and address, employment, education, and personal information:
Nicole Yeo-Fisher | 68 Little River, Dr. | Manager of Clinical Education at HealthInfoNet. I received a BSW and MSW from UMO and have an LCSW. Two children at Narragansett Elementary
How long have you lived in Gorham?
9 years
Why are you running for School Committee?
I’m passionate that every child deserves the very best education. As a parent and community member, I have seen challenges facing families and educators in providing the best education for students. I’m committed to working with parents, administrators, educators, and our community to ensure that Gorham’s schools thrive.
How can the Town Council and School Committee balance the needs of the schools with those of the taxpayers?
We need transparency in the budgeting process. We need our teachers and students to feel supported. Encourage communication and collaboration between the TC and SC to find common ground and shared objectives. Explore opportunities for additional funding through partnerships or alternative revenue sources to reduce the burden on taxpayers.
What is the major issue facing the schools today, and how can it be addressed?
Mental health and wellness issues are impacting our students, teachers/staff. We need to involve parents and caregivers, offer resources and workshops. Strengthen relationships with our local mental health organizations. Provide training to teachers/staff that includes trauma informed teaching practices. Create a supportive network for teachers/staff to share ideas.