Susan Drinker, Exeter Elementary School Board Candidate

Susan Drinker

Age (as of Election Day)

68

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Exeter Elementary School Board

Party Affiliation

Family

Husband Nick Drinker, son Jay Drinker. Daughters Ashley Drinker Trubiano and Amanda Drinker Kasper, their spouses and six grandchildren ( four in SAU16 with one of these at Lincoln Street School)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BS in Early Childhood Education- University of Vermont
Masters in Creative Arts in Education-Lesley University

Occupation

Retired kindergarten teacher, Main Street School
27 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Currently a Trustee at the Exeter Public Library

Campaign website

#susandrinker4EESboard

Why are you seeking elective office?

I care deeply about Exeter’s public elementary schools and will be a strong advocate for its students, families and educators for the best possible quality education.

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

Our educational system was disrupted by the pandemic;therefore, it is necessary for the school board to address the needs of our students affected by this impact. The academic, social emotional and physical needs of our students are a priority. An opportunity arises for us to reevaluate these changes made during the pandemic. The doors are open for us to access the needs of all the students and families.

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

What I would bring to the Exeter Elementary School Board is a long connection to our schools and community. I have been a parent, grandparent and educator for more than 30 years. I was a teacher at Lincoln Street and Main Street Schools for 27 of those years and prior to that I taught at the Exeter Day School. I have also been actively involved in our community serving children and families. I am currently a board member on the Exeter Area Charitable Foundation, a trustee of our town library and served as a long time board member of Womenade and the Richie McFarland Children’s Center. So, I would maintain a strong connection with families and students I have taught over the years and continue to bond with parents, community members and educators by listening to their thoughts and concerns about our elementary schools.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

We must bring our community together by maintaining the high- quality education of our schools. Our educators have worked tirelessly to provide the best learning opportunities possible during these unprecedented times. Continuing to listen to parents, community members and educators can provide us with an opportunity to reevaluate and invigorate our programs.
As an school board member, i will be interested in hearing more updates from the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice committee as they continue to provide our students with appropriate activities and materials. The DEIJ committee, which started their work in 2018, is comprised of parents, teachers, administrators, community and school board members. It creates a learning environment where our students, teachers and staff all feel included.

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

With a long history as a parent, grandparent, teacher, community volunteer and child advocate, I bring a unique background for analyzing and solving problems from various perspectives. Our schools and our community have always been and continue to be so important to me. It has been an honor to support Main Street and Lincoln Street Schools for over 30 years as a parent, grandparent, PTO co-chair, volunteer and a teacher. I taught at Main Street and Lincoln Street Schools for 27 years and prior to that at the Exeter Day School.
Besides 30 years as a full- time teacher, i am currently serving on the board of the Exeter Area Charitable Foundation, created in 1989 by the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce to raise funds to provide warm winter clothing and bedding to families in need. I am also currently a trustee of the Exeter Town Library which included being part of a team overseeing the extensive remodeling. I have also been a long- time board member of Womenade, an organization providing short term financial assistance to Exeter Area neighbors in need and on the board of the Richie McFarland Children’s Center, a program offering families access to early intervention and an array of support and services.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another. Choose kind!

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

My husband and I spend as much time as possible with our beautiful grandchildren. I also love traveling, knitting, gardening, reading, photography, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and doing local volunteer work.