In Ward 4, it’s Julia Harper vs. Rick LaChapelle.
Name: Julia Harper
Age: 40
Occupation: Education and outreach manager (first-time homebuyer education for the Lewiston-Auburn workforce)
Family: Husband, Craig Saddlemire, and 3-year-old son
Community involvement: Lewiston Farmers’ Market Association board member, Strengthen LA Partner; CHOICE Neighborhoods Transformation Action Group Partner; Co-Lab Create member; Good Food Council of Lewiston-Auburn former executive director; Local Foods Action Plan for LA former co-coordinator; Raise-Op Housing Cooperative former board officer; Androscoggin Land Trust former associate director; Dempsey Challenge former event coordinator; Baxter Brewing Co. former tap room manager.
1. Why do you think you are the most qualified or best candidate for this seat?
I believe in public education. I am invested in our schools as a mother of a young child, and I bring a unique perspective as someone who is engaged in Lewiston-based community projects that impact our families. I will advocate for safe, inclusive, high-quality public schools. I am an experienced leader and committed to deeply listening, learning, and working to build solutions across our differences. I support recruiting and retaining skilled, motivated teachers as key to school success.
2. What is the most important issue facing the Lewiston School Department and how would you address it? Be specific.
Our schools need funding that meets the needs of our students and also our economically strained taxpayers. I will work to find the resources that our students need to succeed, including working with our legislative delegation to increase state funding for our schools. I will also support balanced and effective budget proposals for our schools and community. Safety for students and parents is equally important. I will work to review and update existing policies and procedures related to school safety. Training for students and staff on safety protocols, and clear communication to families on safety measures is essential.
3. What can you do as a School Committee member to improve test scores and graduation rates?
Improved test scores and graduation rates are currently among the School Committee’s proposed top five goals over the next five years, goals the district has been actively seeking community input on. As a School Committee member, I will support evidence-based strategies that have been shown to improve these outcomes elsewhere, with thoughtful consideration of the assessments from our teachers, as well as students, families, and community partners who best understand our unique needs and assets. I think whole-family-centered approaches are key to improving outcomes overall.
Name: Rick LaChapelle
Age: 61
Occupation: Self-employed
Family: Married for 43 years, two married sons and two grandchildren
Community involvement: Coached youth sports for over 16 years. Past president McMahon PTA, past vice president South Lewiston Little League, past member Lewiston School Committee. Served on Lewiston City Council and as vice chair of Lewiston Auburn Watershed Protection Commission. Own and operate three businesses in Lewiston.
1. Why do you think you are the most qualified or best candidate for this seat?
I bring proven leadership, experience, and lifelong connection to Lewiston. I have been deeply involved with our schools for years — building playgrounds, participation in the PTA, and serving as a former School Committee member. I am also a past city councilor and a successful businessman. This experience gives me the ability to understand budgets and the school environment from day one. It is vital to hit the ground running, and real-world experience and success will make a meaningful difference for Lewiston students.
2. What is the most important issue facing the Lewiston School Department and how would you address it? Be specific.
The most important issue facing the Lewiston School Department is strengthening the quality, safety, and accountability of our schools. We must return to the basics, raising our students’ math and reading skills to meet higher standards. Fiscal responsibility is essential to ensure funds go directly to classrooms and competitive teachers pay. We also must continue protecting our students’ safety and our girls’ rights in schools. By focusing on excellence, safety, and sound management we can restore trust and pride in Lewiston’s schools.
3. What can you do as a School Committee member to improve test scores and graduation rates?
As a School Committee member, I will focus on restoring strong academic fundamentals, ensuring every student masters reading, writing, and math. Supporting teachers with the right tools, training, and time is essential to student success. With the changing demographics of our schools, we also must be willing to adapt and respond. By setting clear expectations, emphasizing discipline and responsibility, and celebrating academic achievement, we can raise test scores, improve graduation rates, and better prepare Lewiston students for success.