Ward 1, Geiger school area

Bette J. Thibeault

Age: 68

Address: 16 Abbott St., Lewiston

Occupation: Sole proprietor of “Fit For Excellence,” certified physical fitness specialist, therapeutic massage; workshop presenter for Irlen Screening Educational Kinesiology exercise and health and wellness. Former director of adult education in two Maine communities.

Education: Holds associate, bachelor’s and graduate degrees in educational leadership; certified physical fitness specialist, certified Irlen Syndrome Screener in Maine, continuing education in massage therapy and other related fields of health.

Political experience: Two years on Lewiston-Auburn Commission on Cooperation, co-chairwoman representing Lewiston in second-year term.

Community organizations: Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce; Auburn Historical Society; volunteer at The Public Theatre; Marti Stevens Improvisational Theatre; various charitable organizations.

What is the biggest problem you perceive in Lewiston schools, and how will you work to correct it?

Overcrowding in all the schools. We have too many children in classrooms, and the possibility of new buildings probably is out of the question as we struggle with revenues on all levels of government. I read recently that most Maine schools have a declining enrollment, but certainly not here. As a committee member I would listen, learn and evaluate all possibilities for every question that comes forward.

What do you think is going right in Lewiston schools, something you want to support?

Many students I know who attend Lewiston High School are happy with the information that they are gleaning from classroom teachers. I believe that the type of education that is going on in vocational education/culinary arts is outstanding, and more students from the region could be attending if possible.

Lewiston’s population of Somali students continues to climb. Do you approve of how they’re being taught, where they’re going to school, how their needs are being met?

Until I’m elected — if I’m elected — I cannot answer this question adequately. It would be a shot in the dark.

When the next proposed Lewiston school budget comes out, would you favor flat-funding, a higher budget or a lower budget?

I support a higher budget. We cannot fail the next generations by cutting out important facets of the educational setting. I would, however, look where trimming is necessary to support a strong literacy education for all students.

Superintendent Bill Webster has released projections showing Lewiston’s enrollment will continue to grow at 100 students per year. He’s recommending turning the Lewiston Multi-Purpose Center into a prekindergarten school for the city, expanding the middle school and McMahon. Do you approve or disapprove of this plan?

I know that the Pettingill School building is vacant. Is there some way to use this for a seniors citizens’ center? I hope that the recommendation for the Multi-Purpose building does not harm the adult education program in any way.