Ward 2: Janet Beaudoin seeking second full Lewiston School Committee term

Janet Beaudoin

LEWISTON — Ward 2 School Committee member Janet Beaudoin, 40, is seeking reelection. The preschool teacher has served one full term. Former Mayor Mark Cayer nominated Beaudoin to the committee in June 2021, then she was elected to a full term later that year.

Community Engagement: Lewiston School Committee Ward 2, Lewiston High School Boosters, Lewiston Republican Committee, Lewiston Public Schools Negotiations Committee, Lewiston Public Schools Finance Committee, Lewiston Public Schools Pathways Committee.

How would you manage the school budget? Allocate more funds to schools or pull back spending?

My priority will always be to secure the maximum number of resources for our schools and look out for the everyday taxpayer. Given the unique needs of Lewiston, it is crucial that we strategically allocate our funds. With the demands of special education and the Department of Justice lawsuit, it is imperative that we make efficient use of our resources. To address these challenges, it is essential that state funding for Lewiston Public Schools is increased, enabling us to bridge the gaps and meet the needs of our community effectively.

Do you believe student safety is a priority and would you support initiatives that address safety issues?

My foremost responsibility as a School Committee member is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students at Lewiston Public Schools. Student safety is my top priority and I will continue to uphold this commitment. We have made significant strides in implementing new safety standards within our schools. We have maintained a zero-tolerance policy on fighting and bullying, fostering a more peaceful environment for students and educators. Even before joining the committee, I advocated for a stronger School Resource Officer presence in our district. I believe that this additional support will further enhance the safety measures in our schools.

Do you believe students’ social and emotional needs are being met in schools? What could be done differently?

I believe that while it is important to address social and emotional needs in our schools, we should also focus on teaching our students to become responsible and compassionate citizens. While there are situations in which significant support is necessary, it is crucial to strike a balance and avoid overcoddling our students. By allowing them to make mistakes, take ownership, and learn from their experiences, we can help foster their growth and development. Encouraging values such as sharing, using manners and taking turns early on can instill important life skills that will benefit them in the long run.

Do you believe parents and community members have adequate access to committee members at meetings or through other methods to express concerns and frustrations?

I believe that parents and community members have sufficient access to the School Committee. We hold regular public meetings every other week and we welcome public comments on pretty much all topics. To enhance accessibility, I have publicly shared my phone number and email address, encouraging open communication. While access itself has not been an issue, it is possible that some parents and constituents may not be aware of how to effectively reach out to us. I hope to see more community members and parents utilize their voice in the future, as their input is invaluable to our decision-making process.