Promising change and improvements to the education system, Topsham resident Haley Kulas was elected to the Maine School Administrative District 75 School Board over former board member Jim Burak in Tuesday’s election, according to unofficial results.

Professional baker and mother to six school-aged children, Kulas began her campaign with the philosophy “we all support each other to succeed.”

A month prior to Election Day, Kulas shared her priorities if elected to the board with The Times Record.

“I am running not only because I have a vested interest and a lot to offer, but because I believe in the power that a good public education can provide,” Kulas said at the time. “It works best when administrators, teachers, support staff, parents and the community come together for the good of the students.”

Over the past four years, the SAD 75 school board has struggled with a high turnover rate, with at least six resignations by board members as well as repeated leadership shifts, with five superintendents serving over that span.

Burak was appointed to carry out the remaining three months of board member Sara Ward’s term after she resigned in July 2021. Burak ran to retain that seat in November 2021 but lost to Amy Spelk.