STRONG – Two people are seeking one, three-year term as a SAD 58 director representing Strong.

Incumbent Gerald “Mike” Pond, chairman of the board this term, is being challenged for the seat by Gina DiCrocco.

It is the only contested race on the ballot.

Voting is scheduled from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, at the Forster Memorial Building.

DiCrocco, 37, lives on High Street and is a certified athletic trainer employed by Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington and has been assigned as a trainer for the schools in the greater Franklin County area.

Pond, 53, lives on Burbank Hill Road and is an excavation contractor.

Both candidates say the state’s requirement to reorganize school systems is the biggest issue facing the district.

SAD 58 in the Kingfield area is working with SAD 9 in the Farmington area and Coplin and Highland plantations to consolidate 16 communities into one school district.

“I believe that the best interests of the students should be top priority while keeping in mind the needs and wishes of the people of the town of Strong,” DiCrocco said Wednesday.

“I have been following the consolidation process closely and believe that our schools are currently operating in a very efficient manner. However, unless the state changes the consolidation requirement, we must find a way to make it work to our best advantage. I am committed to listening to the people of Strong and bringing their voice to the table without bias or personal agenda.”

The state has told SAD 58 that it needs to join another school district to save money, Pond said.

“In truth, it’s going to cost more money,” Pond said, and if re-elected he plans to continue to look out for children, which is his highest priority, and district taxpayers.

Pond, a 16-year veteran of the school board, said he almost didn’t seek re-election but decided to with the district facing reorganization.

He said his experience would be a benefit to the district because he understands the dynamics of the budget and knows what the schools are trying to do academically to give students the best education. Three of the district’s schools are considered high performing by the state.

“I’ve watched this district evolve,” Pond said. “This district leads the state in technology we rule from the bottom up.”

If re-elected he plans to make sure the “true facts” get out about regionalization so taxpayers will know the true costs to join SAD 9 and what the benefits would be before they vote on the issue, Pond said.

“I want them to understand,” he said.

DiCrocco said she believes her skills of being a team player will be a benefit to the district.

“In my daily work, I work as part of a team and I see the school board working in the same way,” DiCrocco said.