As a candidate for reelection to the Scarborough Board of Education, I’ve been offered chance to counter comments made by an opponent in a previous edition of this publication. I struggled with what to write, how best to defend the School Board, Wentworth Building Committee, and/or sell myself as a candidate. None of it felt right and I contemplated letting it go, not using the space, but that didn’t seem like a good option either.

I’m confident the decisions I’ve made have been in the best interest of Scarborough’s children. I’ve decided to let my reputation as a school board representative and member of the community for almost 40 years speak for itself. I have the rare opportunity to tell this town how I really feel. And what I really want to say, is a great big THANK YOU!

Thank you to all the people who make Scarborough the wonderful place it is to live and raise my family.

Thank you to all employees of the Scarborough School Department. Thank you to all the teachers and staff for the countless hours you work week after week shaping the lives of our smallest citizens. Thank you to the administrators for your dedication to bringing Scarborough Schools into the 21st century and creating independent, lifelong learners who will succeed in life after high school.

Thank you to all the Scarborough taxpayers who make the kids of this community and our school system a priority. Thank you to the volunteers, all the hundreds of volunteers, who fill the gaps left after difficult budget reductions. This includes classroom and building volunteers, Wentworth Building Committee members, PTA members, Scarborough Education Foundation members, booster club supporters, volunteer coaches and club advisers, and Scarborough business owners who donate their goods and services to benefit our programs.

Thank you to the Scarborough Public Library staff and volunteers for programs that welcome visitors of all ages and for your support of learning for the sake of learning. Thank you to the Project GRACE volunteers, members of our civic and charitable organizations, and Volunteers in Police Service who are always there to lend a helping hand.

Thank you to our elected officials, ad hoc committee members, public safety, public works, planning department, community services, town clerk and manager for all that you do to keep this town safe and beautiful.

This space would never be big enough to personally thank the individuals and groups who give their valuable time, energy and talent to make Scarborough a place we’re proud to call home. Please know that you are appreciated and that this town wouldn’t “work” without you. Whether you’re new to Scarborough or have lived here for decades, I urge you to participate in our community, find a way to make connections with neighbors and make the choice every day to focus on the positive. I promise you won’t regret it.

Kelly M. Noonan Murphy is a candidate for reelection to the Scarborough Board of Education.