Residents from Freeport, Pownal and Durham will vote to fill two seats serving three-year terms on the school board on Nov. 4.

Three candidates are vying for the two contested Regional School Unit 5 board seats: Kelly Sink, who is running for reelection; Valerie Williams, who is running to retain her seat after serving in an interim capacity; and Kimberly Kay Buck, a newcomer.

There are two seats with one-year terms on the school board set to expire with Anna Child and Karen Breer both running unopposed, while the vice chairperson, Maura Pillsbury, whose term expires this year, isn’t running for reelection.

There are two seats on the ballot for Town Council and one for the Freeport Sewer District, but those races are uncontested. Voting in Freeport will be held at the Freeport High School gymnasium on Holbrook Street from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The school board will decide who will serve as vice chairperson next year in June.

These responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Kelly Sink

Please tell voters about yourself.

I have called Freeport home for almost 10 years and am the proud mom of two great kids: a sixth-grader and an eighth-grader, both of whom have grown up in the RSU 5 schools.

Before moving to Maine, I worked as a behavioral neuroscience researcher at Emory University in Atlanta. I have focused my energy on supporting the schools and organizations that make Freeport a vibrant and welcoming place for all.

To this end, I have served on the elementary Parent-Teacher Committee, coached the middle school tennis team for the past two seasons and regularly volunteer in the schools. I have also had the privilege of serving as a director on the RSU 5 school board for the past three years. I have contributed to our community through Freeport’s Social and Racial Equity Committee and currently serve as vice president on the Freeport Conservation Trust.

Why are you running for the RSU 5 board?

I am running for a second term on the school board because I believe in the power of strong public education to level the playing field and prepare every child — no matter their background — to be engaged citizens in our democratic society.

In today’s polarized world, our public schools are one of the few places where people from all walks of life can come together to learn, grow and find common ground.

My family’s experiences in RSU 5 have shown me firsthand how inclusive, supportive and evidence-based education makes a profound difference in students’ well-being and academic success. It has been deeply rewarding to serve on a board that helps our schools to “inspire and support every learner” through clear goals, thoughtful budgeting and sound polices putting students first.

What are the most pressing concerns facing the school district?

Three of the most pressing issues facing the school board include: responsible use of technology, student mental health and well-being, and maintaining strong programs and staff.

For technology, preparing students for a rapidly changing world through guided use of digital tools, including AI, along with clear policies and procedures on the use of smartphones and social media in schools. Student success depends not only on solid academic performance but also on emotional well-being.

We need to ensure our students have access to counseling and crisis intervention, mental health programming, and social-emotional learning.

As budgets tighten, we must continue to provide our students with rigorous and equitable education programs by protecting the arts, athletics, advanced courses and special education, while supporting teachers with competitive pay, professional development and a positive workplace culture.

If elected, how would you address those challenges?

My top priority as a member of the school board is to help develop a strategic plan that sets a clear vision for student success and outlines district priorities that reflect the concerns and needs of our students. These goals in this plan will, in turn, set the direction for our budgets, policies and programs.

I will work with other school board members to ensure that our policies, programming and budget support our priorities. Holding school leadership accountable by carefully examining the evidence to see if our plans and programs are effective, identifying gaps, and directing school leadership to make adjustments as needed.

What experiences would you bring to this position?

My experience serving on the school board has given me a deep understanding of how thoughtful policies, clear goals and responsible budgeting shape student success. Combining my background as a scientist with my approach, I will bring a data-driven and analytical approach to decision-making.

Together, these experiences help me ask the right questions, seek practical solutions and stay focused on what matters most: ensuring every student can learn, thrive and reach their full potential.

How can residents learn more about you?

Check out my Facebook page, “Kelly Sink for RSU 5 Board,” or contact me directly with questions at sinkk@rsu5.org.

Valerie Williams

Please tell voters about yourself.

I am a lifelong Mainer who has lived in Freeport since 2016, working as a full-time scientist in health care and a parent of two RSU 5 students.

Why are you running for the RSU 5 board?

I began attending school board meetings in March 2025 as a parent and resident. When a board resignation occurred over the summer, I applied to fill the interim position and now serve in that position. I am running to retain that seat.

What are the most pressing concerns facing the school district?

Several legislative actions require local implementation, including policies for cellphones and smartwatches, as well as a shift in early learner services from Child Development Services to local schools. The latter is a massive, multiyear project that is likely to have a significant impact on the entire district.

If elected, how would you address those challenges?

I think, in both cases and more broadly, decisions should be made after consultation with stakeholders, and all viewpoints should be given a chance to be heard.

As a current board member, I have sworn an oath to the United States’ Constitution and pledged my top priority to what I think is best for the students of this district, and that’s how all decisions I make will be informed.

What experiences would you bring to this position?

To my knowledge, I am the only board member from Freeport that lives north of 295 and the only member with a blue-collar job. I think having me on the board to represent those members of the Freeport community adds a different voice — one that struggles to find child care during school vacation weeks. This perspective was missing from the board.

How can residents learn more about you?

I have set up an email they can use to reach me about my candidacy: vwilliams.rsu5@gmail.com. I have also answered the questionnaire on Ballotpedia. If they wish to reach out to the board (and I encourage them to do so) on any topics, by email at board@rsu5.org.

We are all residents doing our best for our kids and appreciate both positive and constructive feedback from our community.

Kimberly Kay Buck

Why are you running for the RSU 5 board?

As a mother of three young children who are currently or will be enrolled in the RSU 5 school district, I have a vested interest in ensuring its ongoing and future success.

What are the most pressing concerns facing the school district?

I am what I refer to as a “rookie RSU 5 mom” with my oldest child starting in pre-K this fall. I preface my response with that clarification as I recognize that I am likely unaware of some of the pressing concerns currently facing RSU 5.

However, according to data produced and made available at maine.gov/doe, RSU 5 has experienced year-over-year declines in assessment scores across the English language arts, mathematics and science. As such, reversing this downward trajectory and raising core academic outcomes is and should be a most pressing concern for the school district.

If elected, how would you address those challenges?

First, we need to determine the root cause(s) of the decline in scores, and an analysis is already underway. Then we need to create plans to target the failure and weakness points for correction and remediation while ensuring that we hold ourselves and students accountable for achieving positive results.

What experiences would you bring to this position?

Born and raised on Long Island, N.Y., I spent many school vacations in Waldoboro, Maine, where my aunt and uncle owned a small farm.

After graduating from Bates College, I worked as a paralegal at a local law firm before earning my law degree from the University of Maine in 2012. I have worked at TD Bank since 2013, holding various roles of progressive responsibility that have focused on process optimization, regulatory compliance and risk management.

I am running for the school board as an invested community member, supporting open dialogue in a collaborative work environment to foster debate and achieve optimal resolutions.

How can residents learn more about you?

I encourage residents to attend locally scheduled Freeport candidate forums.