October 25, 2005
For the Board of Education
By Patricia Smulders

The qualifications for Board of Education members are that you be a resident of Killingworth and a registered voter. You don't have to have children in the school system. A third requirement might be listed as :a caring and concern for the education of the children of Regional District 17."

BOE members attend one general meeting a month. All Board and subcommittee meetings are open to the public. Members are on at least one sub-committee depending on where their interests and expertise lie. The School Board selects, works with, and evaluates the superintendent. It serves as an advocate for children, teachers and other staff by adopting "kids first" goals, policies, and budgets, while maintaining its fiscal responsibility to the community.

The Board and the superintendent, working together, can create an atmosphere in which the vision of a school district leads to strong learning, healthy development and stimulating new concepts that challenge and excite children at every level of ability. Strong linkages with social services, health and other community organizations help to create an outstanding school system. This is further enhanced with well established interaction with the Board of Selectmen, and the Board of Finance.

What could be better than being involved in a volunteer public service that is helping children achieve their highest potential in preparation for their life as an adult? This is what Democratic candidate for Board of Ed, Mary Withington, is looking forward to doing when she becomes a member of the Regional District 17 BOE.

Mary Withington, and her husband, Tim , moved to Killingworth because they felt Region 17 schools provided excellent educational opportunities for their two children. As a homeowner and a parent, Mary understands the pressure of community concerns overall but has often stated that the education of Killingworth's children must be of a quality to prepare them for the demands of the 21st century.

She will come to the Board well prepared . Mary worked in the Human Resources Department of a large company. She taught medical assistance programs to students working with doctors. She also wrote a program on policy procedure which was reviewed for accreditation. This policy was named one of the top technical programs of its kind in the country.

The critical thinking skills and the ability to work positively and effectively with others that Mary has developed throughout her career are a perfect fit for the Superintendent's emphasis on open communication and the development of positive relationships.
What better decision could you make than to vote for Mary Withington for the Board of Education on November 8th?

( For more about the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee visit our website at www.killingworth.dems.info)