After growing up in Cape Elizabeth, Michael J. Foley lived in Westbrook for a number of years. He and his wife returned just over a year ago in order to get their young daughter into the school system.

“School consolidation concerned us greatly,” said Foley, who has been involved with the issue on the local and state level.

Foley said he believes “the big piece right now is getting a handle on the new guidelines for the budget process.” He said it will be important to find a balance between maintaining Cape’s high quality of education – one he benefited from himself – without being fiscally irresponsible. He said the board will need to “take a big-picture view” of the budget and consider where funds can be shifted.

Foley said that in getting the budget approved by voters, “communication is key” – and the same goes for working with the town council. He believes the council and the school board are “on the same page” when it comes to the ultimate goal: maintaining the town’s status as a high-performing, efficient district.

Foley, 35, is the vice president of sales and business development for Five County Credit Union. He is also a trustee for the Maine Credit Union League Insurance Trust and served on Westbrook’s Downtown Economic Development Committee.

He said his 13 years in the financial industry will help make him an asset to the school board.

“I feel as though I’m ready for this step,” Foley said. “I’m used to being involved in decision making.”

Foley believes the timing is right for him and that he is a good fit for the school board.

“We’re going to be in town for a long time,” he said of his family. “It’s a good time to be involved.”

Cape Elizabeth School Board – Foley: Eager to work on issues