Three candidates are running for two open seats on the Regional School Unit 23 Board of Directors.

Current school board members Jerome Plante and Stuart Hogan are facing a challenge from David Boudreau, who served on a school committee in Massachusetts before moving to Maine. The terms are three years.

Plante, 80, was the longest-serving town manager in Old Orchard Beach and holds a master’s degree in educational administration. The Old Orchard Beach native said he is seeking another term so he can pay back the community for the opportunities and kindness it has provided him. If re-elected, Plante said, he wants to examine town schools to determine if major repairs or new construction are needed.

Plante said he also would like “to give greater formal and informal support in raising money for scholarships for our high school graduates.”

Boudreau, 48, served for 12 years as a school board member in Massachusetts and has been on the Zoning Board of Appeals and involved with the high school boosters since moving to Old Orchard Beach.

“I will bring a much-needed fresh perspective to the school board. I will not just be a rubber stamp, I will ask the tough questions and I will require answers in a timely manner,” he said.

Boudreau said the board needs to develop a multiyear capital improvement plan and be more creative in school funding while being more frugal.

“I would like to create a forum on educating the residents and other elected officials in this town on the priorities and needs of the school department and also help promote how much of an asset the school system is for our community,” he said.

Hogan did not respond to requests for information.

 

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