Benjamin Daley challenges Meghan Hird in Ward 6 for School Committee.
Name: Benjamin Daley
Age: 29
Occupation: Farmer and electrical tradesperson
Family: My family and I run a farm.
Community involvement: I am a volunteer at the Lewiston Nutrition Center, former secretary of the Lewiston Farmers’ Market, former treasurer of the Cumberland Farmers’ Market, former Lewiston Auburn Community Market board member.
1. Why do you think you are the most qualified or best candidate for this seat?
I want our schools to be the best for people who want to start a family here, like me. Public schooling helps build the next generation of smart, capable people who will be living and working in Lewiston. My experience volunteering on multiple boards gives me a practical perspective. I spent some of my childhood overseas and understand about working with people from different places. Additionally, my dad was a Marine who later became an elementary school teacher and taught me a lot about what a good education looks like. I am endorsed by the Lewiston Education Association.
2. What is the most important issue facing the Lewiston School Department and how would you address it? Be specific.
I am bringing a level-headed approach to school issues. I have heard from people in my ward that their top issue is making sure our schools are safe. In a safe environment students are at their best and teachers are able to focus. To achieve this we need to find the root of the problem. I want to direct resources so “problem students” can reach their full potential rather than being left behind, and all students in the classroom benefit from better instruction. When I’m on the school board, discipline will be focused on student growth rather than punishment alone.
3. What can you do as a School Committee member to improve test scores and graduation rates?
Not all students need the same cookie cutter pathway to graduate. Plenty of capable students struggle in specific areas while excelling in other subjects. In order to improve graduation rates and test scores, struggling students and those who could use assistance in one or two subjects need individual graduation plans. This will help students in the classes they struggle with most. The goal is to help them graduate and place them on the path for what comes next, whether that is college, the trades, or entering directly into the workforce.
Name: Meghan Hird
Age: 39
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
Family: Married for 11 years with two children. Our son Pearson is in fourth grade, and our daughter Parker is in second grade.
Community involvement: Two-term Lewiston School Committee member, Lewiston Baseball board member.
1. Why do you think you are the most qualified or best candidate for this seat?
I believe I am the most qualified candidate for this seat because I bring both experience and a genuine commitment to our community. As the Ward 6 representative for two terms, I have worked hard to address the needs of our residents and advocate for positive change. My background in education gives me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our schools, and as a mother of two school-age children, I am personally invested in the quality of education. My record demonstrates that I care deeply about our schools and community, and am excited to continue this work.
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 right now is ensuring that all of our children are able to read and write at grade level. We need to get back to the basics by focusing on literacy and foundational skills across every classroom. To do this, we must support our teachers by letting them teach, giving them the resources they need and minimizing distractions so that learning can take center stage. Additionally, we need to address behavior in the classroom so teachers can spend their time on instruction rather than discipline.
3. What can you do as a School Committee member to improve test scores and graduation rates?
As a School Committee member, I believe the best way to improve test scores and graduation rates is to focus on providing teachers with the tools, support, and autonomy they need to meet students where they are and help them succeed. However, as long as the state of Maine requires NWEA testing, there is significant pressure for teachers to “teach to the test.” I hope to use my position to advocate for our state leaders in Augusta to reexamine these requirements and consider changes that allow teachers to focus more on real student learning rather than just test performance.