Support Cornish School Board incumbents

I am writing in support of Justin Ranney and Jason Tetu who are candidates this year for the Cornish School Board. I have worked closely with both of them and have immense respect for their perspectives and deep ties to our community. They understand the role of public education in our society and are committed to the use of our school tax dollars only for public and not private entities.

When Justin took over as School Board chair, our district was in turmoil. His calm and reasoned approach led us through the transition to our own SAU. He has worked closely with the Plainfield board to create a positive working relationship. This will be critical should we vote at School District Meeting to further our collaboration with Plainfield, whether it be to join in creating a middle school or to investigate creating a cooperative school district. His professional background in real estate gives him a deep understanding of the financial aspects of running a school as well as the tax implications for our spending.

Jason has brought the unique perspective of a working educator to the board. He understands the implications of each policy as it plays out on the ground for both teachers and students. He is able to clearly articulate what the implementation of a variety of board actions will actually look like. He has a deep understanding of issues of student achievement, as the board now will be placing more emphasis on that with the addition of Christine Downing, who is heading efforts in curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Cornish is again at a crossroads in its educational journey. We will be making serious and consequential decisions at this year’s district meeting. I strongly feel that maintaining the stability of the board as we look to possibly of moving forward with Plainfield in various endeavors is critical. I urge my neighbors in Cornish to cast their votes for Justin Ranney and Jason Tetu to ensure that success.

Nicole Saginor

Cornish

Attend Cornish
school meeting

Cornish’s annual School District Meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the school gym. I have been a ballot clerk for several years, and it seems like the school meeting usually has a very low turnout: 10% or less. It’s like the weather: “Everybody complains, but nobody does anything about it.” The usual response is that everything is already decided and we can’t do anything! Well, nothing can change if voters don’t come, listen, and talk to each other, and vote on School Board members, warrant articles and other budget line items.

The school budget is the largest part of the Cornish tax bill. It is time more residents took interest in what we are being asked to pay for.

Please come and take the time to talk to your neighbors and listen to what the board and other officials have to say. I hope to see my neighbors on Saturday.

Lois Fitts

Cornish

Why I’m running
for library trustee

I am running for Cornish Library Trustee, and I’d like to share with you why I want to serve.

I know what it means to be a library trustee for a small-town library in the 21st century. My background in science and research, serving on the faculty of Dartmouth, as well as a small-business owner of a psychotherapy private practice in Lebanon, will benefit Cornish greatly. I have also served Cornish in many volunteer capacities. My experiences and perspectives will contribute to a professionally diverse board of trustees.

Cornish, my home for 20 years, feels like a family the way it protects, serves and cares for its own, and like any family, sometimes there are squabbles. Sadly, because of the way the community center at the Cornish General Store has been handled, it has divided the town. I will serve as a library trustee in a manner that will recognize and heal those divisions.

The lack of information available from the committees which are planning for a new library makes it difficult to address the intricacies of how future changes will ultimately affect the Stowell Library itself and/or the trustee roles and responsibilities. What I do know is that any changes will necessarily be years into the future. We have a library right now — the G. H. Stowell Free Library — and it deserves our care and respect, no matter what the future holds. I would appreciate your vote on March 12.

Karen Gillock

Cornish