Kim Casey, Exeter Region Cooperative School District

Kim Casey

Age (as of Election Day)

66

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Exeter Region Cooperative School District

Party Affiliation

For a number of very good reasons, this municipal election is a non-partisan election, and our affiliation to one or other is irrelevant

Family

Jackson Casey, husband Three children all whom attended schools in SAU 16.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

2 + years college

Occupation

Homemaker

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Previous experience: 4 terms state representative, 3 terms Coop school board, Judicial Council member, East Kingston selectwoman, Board of Trustees, Virtual Learning Academy Charter School, and Great Bay Charter School

Campaign website

Not at this time

Why are you seeking elective office?

I think that my previous school board experience and commitment to public education will bring a needed perspective to the board

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Moving forward from pandemic to endemic, with sensible cautions that address the whole child, and continuing to extract value from our tax dollars by creating and sustaining the excellent academic and social opportunities we provide in SAU 16

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Having the experience gathered during my eight years of Coop Board member, as well as my legislative experience in Concord, (focusing mostly on educational issues and funding) bring a unique value to the board.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

With all due respect, I would rather address the strengths of my knowledge and experience, than take potshots at my worthy opponent. Having said that, I would just state that I am not interested in any dialectic or political agendas, nor do I feel that the tone and tenor of the school board meetings of the recent past are acceptable. As school board members, we have three duties, as set by law: To hire the superintendent, to make policy, and to make a budget based on those educational priorities.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am told I am a good listener, and I certainly hope that is true. I have already sat on a board that had it’s share of controversies, which through diligent and open communication we were able to address. Controversy is a part of school board life. Not to brag, (skuffles toe, smiles sheepishly) my experience to deal with it would be invaluable.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I was Chairman of the Coop Board when the district built the new high school. That article was passed by more than 70% of the voters. I negotiated teachers' contracts, and dealt with the difficult issues of doing the best for the public education of our students, participated with teachers and admins to open two public charter schools, associated with the district (which are still successfully addressing the needs of students), and balancing the property tax burden of many folks of limited incomes in the district.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

At the end of the day, always ask yourself if the school board decisions you made were and are are best for students, and a good value for the taxpayers.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I'm not dogmatic or agenda-driven, I am a good listener, I am data-driven, I understand my role and limitations as a school board member, (School boards don’t run the schools; school boards make sure the schools are running efficiently, effectively, and well.). I play well with others. Thank you for this opportunity to address the electorate.