Ward 1’s McGuigan running unopposed
Name: Korin McGuigan
Age: 49
Occupation: Inventory analyst
Family: Married for 24 years to husband Jim with two daughters, Caelan, a 2022 ELHS graduate, and Evelyn, a junior at ELHS.
Community involvement: Current Auburn School Committee Ward 1 representative, former director of Bill Koch Cross Country Ski Club and former Girl Scout leader
1. Why do you think you are the most qualified or best candidate for this seat?
As the current Ward 1 School Committee representative, I have valued the opportunity to listen, learn and advocate for our students, staff and families. Serving as chair of the Curriculum Subcommittee and on the Negotiations Subcommittee has given me a clear view of both our district’s successes and the work still ahead. I’m running because I truly care about our schools and the people who make them great. I bring experience, collaboration and a genuine commitment to making thoughtful decisions that put students first and ensure every voice in our community is heard.
2. What is the most important issue facing the Auburn School Department and how would you address it? Be specific.
One of the most important issues facing the Auburn School Department is supporting student learning and well-being while staying fiscally responsible. Our schools are balancing growing academic, social and emotional needs with limited resources. I believe we must invest wisely in prioritizing early intervention, mental health support and educator resources that make the biggest impact for students. As we strengthen curriculum and support services, we also need to make thoughtful, data-driven budget decisions that reflect our community’s priorities. By focusing on both student success and responsible spending, we can ensure long-term stability and high-quality education for every child in Auburn.
3. What can you do as a School Committee member to improve test scores and graduation rates?
I am proud that Auburn’s current graduation rate is 97%, a reflection of the great work our educators, students, and families are doing together. As chair of the Curriculum Subcommittee, I’ve seen firsthand how strong instruction, early intervention and collaboration make a real difference. To keep improving test scores and student outcomes, we need to continue investing in our teachers, aligning curriculum, and using data to guide our decisions. Most importantly, we must stay connected with families and the community to support every learner. The progress we’ve made shows that when we work together, Auburn students succeed.
Edgecomb unopposed in Ward 2
Name: Misty Edgecomb
Age: 46
Occupation: Small business owner
Family: I have been married to my husband Keith for 18 years, and we have two children. While my family motivates my commitment to public schools, I’ve chosen not to speak about my children publicly to protect their privacy.
Community involvement: I currently serve as chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for the City of Auburn and sit on the Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board. I previously served on the Good Food Council of Lewiston-Auburn.
1. Why do you think you are the most qualified or best candidate for this seat?
I bring both heart and accountability to this role. My experience in nonprofit and civic leadership shows a deep commitment to public good and long-term thinking. I’ve led on city boards, worked closely with community partners, and believe strongly in transparent, respectful leadership. I care deeply about public education and understand how to balance fiscal responsibility with the real needs of students and staff. I’m ready to listen, learn, and act in the best interests of our schools, not politics. Auburn’s students deserve thoughtful leaders who will show up with clarity, compassion, and the courage to make principled decisions.
2. What is the most important issue facing the Auburn School Department and how would you address it?
Auburn’s schools are facing intense budget pressure from rising costs and flat or reduced state funding. The most important issue we face is how to preserve the quality of our school programs while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. As a committee member, I would advocate for transparent, community-informed budgeting and prioritize spending that protects core academics and student support. I would work to find cost savings through collaboration and long-term planning rather than short-term cuts. I would also advocate for stronger outreach to state leaders to ensure Auburn’s schools receive the support they need to thrive in the future.
3. What can you do as a School Committee member to improve test scores and graduation rates?
Improving test scores and graduation rates requires early intervention, strong support systems, and policies rooted in equity. I would support increased investment in math and literacy programs, particularly in the early grades, where strong foundations make the biggest difference. I would advocate for improved professional development for teachers, data-informed instruction, and support staff who help students stay on track. I also believe graduation rates rise when students feel seen and supported, so I would back counseling, career pathway programs, and wraparound services. When students have the tools they need and trust the adults around them, achievement follows naturally.
In Ward 3, Gautier running unopposed
Name: Patricia M. Gautier
Occupation: Retired ELHS librarian
Community involvement: Three terms on the Auburn School Committee, Auburn Public Library board of trustees
1. Why do you think you are the most qualified or best candidate for this seat?
I have a wide range of experience in education, having worked for the system for 25 years and served three terms on the Auburn School Committee. I currently serve on the Policy Subcommittee, the Facilities Subcommittee, the ELHS Building Committee, and the Auburn Middle School Committee, and have participated in developing many school budgets.
2. What is the most important issue facing the Auburn School Department and how would you address it? Be specific.
The high cost of everything — health insurance, salaries, energy, supplies, maintenance, etc.- impacts our revenue from the City of Auburn, the state, and the federal government. As a school committee member I work on the yearly school budget with the goal of being fiscally responsible to the citizens of Auburn while maintaining a high quality education for our students .
3. What can you do as a School Committee member to improve test scores and graduation rates?
School Committee members observe what the Auburn School Department does to guarantee a high-quality education to all Auburn students. We receive data on test scores and ensure the superintendent is doing the best job for school staff and students. We set annual goals that relate to student achievement and graduation rates. We also participate in curriculum and instruction oversight, provide a budget that supports education, review finances, approve policies, and encourage and support the Auburn School Department.