LEWISTON — Jim Handy announced he’s seeking re-election to the Ward 4 seat on the School Committee.

He is being challenged by parent Benjamin Martin in the Nov. 3 election.

“The knowledge I have of federal, state and local educational policy will be essential at this pivotal time,” Handy said, “and it will allow me to best serve the students and families of our area.”

During his time on the School Committee, Handy has served as chairman and has demonstrated leadership, he said in his announcement. Examples include when a Gulen-run charter school sought approval from the state, and Handy and Superintendent Bill Webster testified before the Maine Charter School Commission about false statements in the application. The commission denied the application.

When a group from Portland attempted to legalize marijuana in Lewiston, Handy opposed it. When Lewiston gambling casino proponents suggested a temporary facility might be located near a Lewiston elementary school, Handy spoke against it.

Voters have approved the Lewiston school budget each year since the state required local referendums, which shows taxpayers approve of how money has been spent, Handy said.

Handy said he has helped and supported a number of programs for students, including a partnership with Head Start for pre-kindergarten, establishing programs for children with autism, expanding life skills classrooms, reducing class sizes and expanding learning opportunities at Lewiston Regional Technical Center.

Handy and his wife, Sharon Deveau, live at 9 Maplewood Road. Handy and his three children attended Lewiston public schools and graduated from Lewiston High School.

Handy is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine and is employed in eServices at L.L. Bean.