My name is Christine Massengill; I have been serving on the Scarborough Board of Education for the past three years, the last two of which have been as chairwoman. I am currently seeking re-election because I would like to continue to do my part to provide our teachers and students with the appropriate tools to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the Scarborough public schools.

The purpose of education is to prepare children to become productive citizens of our community and beyond. The students of today will become our workforce and the leaders of tomorrow. They must learn to be critical thinkers and be able to compete locally as well as in our global environment. I pride myself on engaging in conversations with the citizens of our community in order to communicate what is involved in educating students in the 21^st century. I would also think that most reasonable people in our town would like to see each child have the appropriate tools to be successful now and in the future.

While serving on the board, I have been actively involved in many things. I, along with over 40 others on a building committee, successfully campaigned and recently cut the ribbon to open a brand new, state-of-the-art school. This school is energy efficient, in line with state building standards, built to last and delivered to the community on time and under budget. I have also worked with the negotiations group in making fundamental and cost-savings changes to all of the labor contracts. I am proud to say that the board I lead has implemented strategic plans to run a cost effective and productive school system. I have been part of return-on-investment initiatives that have saved our taxpayers significant dollars. Our yearly independent audits and state comparisons show that the Scarborough public schools are fiscally responsible, frugal and cost effective. I have led the board to accomplish this while the state has continued to take necessary funds away from us each and every year creating a significant burden on the school system. We have worked very hard to minimize the impact on our students, teachers and citizens of this town, but there is still much work left to be done. Not everyone will agree with every decision we’ve made, but most should agree we have done the best we possibly can given our circumstances.

I realize there may be a perception in the community that being on the board is a relatively easy position to hold. I believe that you get out of a position what you put into it and I have worked tirelessly during the past three years to make an impact on the school system. This town needs the support of educated, enthusiastic and dedicated individuals for important positions like this. I think that I have done a pretty good job during the last three years and my accomplishments speak for themselves. I would like remain helping our students and community in achieving their future goals. Please consider voting for me, Christine Massengill on Nov. 4 for the Board of Education.

Christine A. Massengill is a candidate for re-election of the Scarborough Board of Education.