Three political newcomers are running for two open seats representing Windham on the Regional School Unit 14 Board of Directors.

Eric Colby says he wants to give back to his community. Jennifer Fleck says she wants to get involved with her new hometown. And Pete Heanssler says he wants to have a say in his children’s education.

Two of them will be elected Nov. 5 to serve three-year terms on the school board for Windham and Raymond.

Colby, 50, said he wants to “ensure that Windham students have every opportunity available.”

He doesn’t have specific ideas for changes he would like to see in the district, but he said he would be committed to “guide and direct as necessary for the best of the students and the district.”

Fleck, 42, moved to Windham last year from Connecticut. She said she would “bring a fresh perspective” to the board, and a “broad view” of issues, because she has children in three schools in the district.

Fleck said she would need to learn more about what those issues are before deciding “what needs fixing and how to fix it.”

She plans to look into the district’s implementation of Common Core education standards, and opposes “eliminating grades and competition among students.”

Fleck said she wants to make sure that teachers aren’t “teaching to the test” and that bullying isn’t affecting students’ ability to learn.

Heanssler, 41, has three young children in school.

“I have a vested interest in making the schools the best that they can be,” he said.

Heanssler said he wants to make sure that the district is being proactive in its discipline and assessment of students.

If elected, he said, he will be devoted, fair and not afraid “to question items and policies that don’t make sense.”

Leslie Bridgers can be contacted at 791-6364 or at:

lbridgers@pressherald.com

Twitter: @lesliebridgers