CARIBOU, Maine – Two candidates are vying for two open seats on the RSU 39 (Caribou and Stockholm) school board.
Incumbent Jan Umphrey-Tompkins and newcomer Louella Willey are both running for three-year terms. Current board member Ron Willey is stepping down.
Caribou’s municipal elections will take place Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Caribou Wellness & Recreation Center at 55 Bennett Drive.
Although this year’s school board race is uncontested – with two candidates running for two open seats – the Aroostook Republican is still publishing the candidates’ answers to questions about their backgrounds, goals and priorities.
Both candidates were asked the same questions. In alphabetical order, here are the candidates and their responses.
Jan Umphrey-Tompkins
Age: No answer
Party Affiliation: No answer
Why are you running for school board? This year has marked my ninth year on the school board. I have learned a lot and continue to learn. I have found the past nine years to be ultimately rewarding, despite the challenges we have faced. Our district is fortunate to have great teachers, administrators, staff, students and parents. I want to continue to do my part to help our district grow and to continue to be a great place to learn. A few months ago, we had two teachers speak at a meeting. Vaughn Martin shared with us the construction that went into the outdoor classroom. He shared the thought behind the logs placed, seating areas, trees planted, a sundial, etc. Then we heard from Jennifer Poitras, who spoke about Power Hour that is offered to the students to enrich their learning as well as creating a fun place to learn within our school. I was inspired and realized that I wanted to continue to help in any way I can to ensure things like this can continue to happen.
Education: Educated in the Caribou school system and graduated from Caribou High School in 1994. Graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta with a dental hygiene degree.
Employment: I am employed at Northern Maine Dental for Dr. Meagan Thompson practicing dental hygiene. I also work part time at Evergreen Lanes and Rendezvous Restaurant hostessing and serving. Both are rewarding in that I get to see and talk to people from this community daily.
Family: I reside in Caribou with my husband, Jeremy, and Leo, our family dog. Our son, Lucas, is currently in his third year at the University of Maine at Orono and resides in Bangor. Keeping him company at college is our family cat, Gilbert.
What are the top three priorities you wish to address if elected? In this next term a priority I have is to look at ways we can continue offering new opportunities and maintain educational and enrichment opportunities with the financial hurdles we are faced with. As we see the learning needs of students changing, another priority of mine is working to give teachers and administrators the resources they need to continue giving students an outstanding educational experience. My last priority is to continue supporting RSU 39’s vision to provide innovative, dynamic and future-focused learning opportunities for all students.
Louella “Lou” Willey
Age: No answer
Party Affiliation: No answer
Why are you running for school board? I am running for school board because as a lifelong learner and educator, I feel I have a lot to offer the board at this time.
Education: I graduated from Caribou High School. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with certifications in early childhood and special education from University of Maine at Presque Isle. I received my masters degree in educational leadership from the University of Southern Maine.
Employment: I am currently retired but have served as a Uniserv Director for the Maine Education Association in Aroostook County and director of the RSU 39 after school program. I taught school for 33 years.
Family: I came from a large family and I have always lived in Caribou. My children and most of my grandchildren have also attended Caribou schools.
What are the top three priorities you wish to address if elected? I would like to address the climate of education for both teachers and students in our schools. I believe we need a closer look at research when it comes to scheduling and curriculum. And I strongly believe it is time we support the arts and integrate them into student learning.
