At-large seat representing the entire city

Write-in candidate Robert V. Connors

Age: 73

Address: 23 Charles St.

Occupation: Retired school superintendent

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Education and certificate of advanced study from University of Maine at Orono; Master of Business Administration, Nasson College

Political experience: Superintendent of schools in Lewiston for 21 years, retiring in 1998; interim superintendent in Waldoboro, Lisbon-Durham, Sabattus-Litchfield-Wales school system, and Bath. One term as Ward 5 city councilor.

Community organizations: Former member of Rotary, Maine Catholic diocesan school board, St. Patrick’s Church parish council, Catholic Charities board.

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

It is difficult to identify the biggest problem — many areas are challenging such as the need to improve facilities (Longley, Martel and the middle school); the continuing need to emphasize academics to prepare students for college, vocations and life skills, and the constant need to assure that Lewiston’s schools project a positive image within the community and state. I intend to support and assist the administration, faculty and staff in their efforts to improve these areas.

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

Teaming, expeditionary learning and facility improvement are all aiming in the right direction. The growth of the English Language Learner program has to continue to minimize learning, language and cultural challenges, with a goal resulting in a seamless learning environment for all students and adults.

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?

Generally the city is divided into school districts, although I believe there are many exceptions to district lines for various reasons. Beyond the English Language Learner program I am not aware of other services provided, although I suspect there are others, but I do not have specific knowledge to suggest whether the services are good, bad, need improvement or not.

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

Historically each proposed budget is thoroughly reviewed by the School Committee. I expect to actively participate in that process and suggest additions or deletions as needed. Whether that results in an increase or a decrease is way too early to determine.

Superintendent Bill Webster has released projections showing Lewiston’s enrollment will continue to grow at 100 students a year. He’s recommending turning the Lewiston Multi-Purpose Center into a prekindergarten school for the city, expanding the middle school, and expanding McMahon. Lewiston seniors do not want to give up their space at the Multi-Purpose Center. Do you approve, or disapprove, of this plan?

Assuming the accuracy of the projections, additional space will be needed. I would not suggest the displacement of the seniors from the Multi-Purpose Center unless a satisfactory replacement location is identified. There is a need to replace Martel and Longley schools. The MPC would become a city building with numerous functions, including adult education, community center, sports areas, etc. Space is available to expand McMahon school, however space for expansion at the middle school is a challenge.