Jennifer Fleck, Eric Colby and Pete Heanssler, each of whom has no previous political experience, are on the Nov. 5 ballot racing for two seats representing Windham on the Regional School Unit 14 Board of Directors.

The Lakes Region Weekly asked each candidate the same set of questions and their answers follow:

Eric Colby

Age: 50

Address: Windham

Occupation: Special hazard system designer

Political experience: None

1. What is motivating you to run for the school board?

I want to give back to the great community of Windham and I want to ensure that Windham students have every opportunity available.

2. What three issues do you think are most pressing for Windham-Raymond schools? And what would you do to address those issues?

Ensuring that the technology needs for the students are provided now and for the future. Deciding how to effectively use building space for the entire district as some areas grow and others recede. Overseeing the new “Learner Centered Classroom” or Common Core Standards to ensure students are not left behind and moving all schools to higher grades in the state’s scoring system.

3. Five years after consolidation, do you think Windham and Raymond work well together as a school district?

Seems to work well but I have limited knowledge of the inner workings.

4. Windham school taxes have risen steadily in recent years. Are residents getting a good value for their school tax dollar?

Taxes have risen but I’m not sure the word “steadily” is the right word; but I believe we are getting a good value.

5. What do you think of the newly adopted Common Core standards? Will that improve local education?

Well it’s hard to know because I feel there was very little information provided to the public on the subject. I am currently trying to get educated on the new platform myself. I believe that whether or not the system or technique will improve local education will be in the implementation of it and follow-up and oversight of the district’s leadership. I would say plainly my verdict is still out and I am skeptical at this point. That position may change as I get more information.

Jennifer Fleck

Age: 42

Address: 10 Jules Drive, Windham

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in math from Ithaca College, as well as advanced education in actuarial science

Occupation: AVP and actuary at Unum

Political experience: None, but I have been involved in private boards. I was treasurer for the board of Valley Pre-School in Granby, Conn.; I was also on the board of the Actuaries Club of Hartford/Springfield. I am currently chairperson of the board of the Management and Personal Development Section of the Society of Actuaries.

1. What is motivating you to run for the school board?

I believe in giving back by volunteering where there is a need. I saw the call for school board members and thought it would be a great way for me to get involved with the town.

2. What three issues do you think are most pressing for Windham-Raymond schools? And what would you do to address those issues?

I’d have to get more involved and see all the sides of the issues before I could comment on what needs fixing and how to fix it. Some items that I’d want to look into further are the Common Core standards, and ensuring that we don’t have any issues with bullying or safety that would interfere with students putting their efforts into learning.

3. Five years after consolidation, do you think Windham and Raymond work well together as a school district?

I just moved to Windham from out of state last year, so I’m not sure how things were before the consolidation. I haven’t seen anything yet that indicates that they are not working well together.

4. Windham school taxes have risen steadily in recent years. Are residents getting a good value for the school tax dollar?

I can’t comment on the level of taxes before I see where the budget is being spent exactly. We still pay less in taxes than some of the neighboring towns that are more known for having great schools. I want Windham to also be on that list of towns that Realtors mention when listing the best schools to people new to the area, but I’m also very mindful of not spending more than we have.

5. What do you think of the newly adopted Common Core standards. Will that improve local education?

I believe that it is important that all students get a minimum level of education to graduate. I believe that standards for learning should be comparable state to state. However, I don’t believe that teachers should be “teaching to the test” or that we should be eliminating grades and competition among students. I need to do more research to determine what exactly has been adopted and how it will be implemented.

Pete Heanssler

Age: 41

Address: 22 Harvest Hill Road, Windham

Education: Bachelor’s of science in business administration, minor in education

Occupation: Commercial banker

Political experience: Observer

1. What is motivating you to run for the school board?

I have three young children in the school system and it is important to me to be directly involved in the decisions that will affect their educational experiences.

2. What three issues do you think are most pressing for Windham-Raymond schools? And what would you do to address those issues?

First, there is the issue of standards-based learning. It’s a hot topic right now and I think that we need to get as much impartial information and data out to the people of the district so that everyone is aware of what it is and can have informed discussions about it. Second is the issue of redistricting. It doesn’t seem to be on the front burner at the moment and I want to ensure that it stays that way. I believe that the intent of establishing RSUs was to save on costs through the consolidation of administration and services, not to consolidate children. Third, is the issue of bullying and behavior. This is more prevalent in our schools than most people realize and I will work to raise awareness, establish more channels to report incidents, and ensure that claims are fully investigated.

3. Five years after consolidation, do you think Windham and Raymond work well together as a school district?

In general, I would say yes, but I would also want to work with the board members to brainstorm other ways to share resources and collaborate.

4. Windham school taxes have risen steadily in recent years. Are residents getting a good value for their school tax dollar?

Well they appear to be in line with other similar towns that I looked at in the county, but that, in itself, doesn’t necessarily equate to good value. It wouldn’t be until I actually got involved with the budget, that I would be able to see how efficiently and effectively the money is being used.

5. What do you think of the newly adopted Common Core standards. Will that improve local education?

For me, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. I understand the theory behind Common Core and can appreciate it, but I have yet to see any substantial data proving it to be more effective than a more traditional learning structure. I attended a question-and-answer session at the Windham Primary School about a week ago and it seems apparent to me that the administration and staff have worked very hard to learn about Common Core and prepare for it, so I know we have capable people in place. I just need to learn more about it myself and have some concerns addressed before I can determine if I think it is right for our children.

A CLOSER LOOK

The polling place for all Windham residents is the Windham High School in the auxiliary gym. The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. Voters can register to vote on Election Day at the polls and must bring a photo I.D. and proof of residency that shows your name and physical address such as an electric bill, etc.

Absentee voting is taking place in the Town Clerk’s office Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cutoff for absentee voting is Thursday, Oct. 31, at 4:30 p.m. The clerk’s office will be open late on Wednesday, Oct. 30, until 7 p.m. to allow people to register to vote or vote absentee. You may also go to www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/ and request a ballot online.

Eric ColbyJennifer FleckPete Heanssler