With the filing period closed for three positions on the Concord Board of Education, two incumbents are in competitive races. With Jess Campbell not running again for a second term on the board, a newcomer is running unopposed to succeed her.
The school board is broken down into three districts, or zones. Each zone has two representatives, plus three citywide representatives. School board members are elected on a rotating basis, each serving three-year terms.
A competitive race could emerge in Zone B, which encompasses Wards 5, 6 and 7. Currently represented by Liz Boucher, a parent who works in public health, the area includes much of the west side and the South End – including the middle school.
Boucher, who has served for one term, is being challenged by Don Brueggemann, a former manager at the Works Cafe in downtown Concord and a former state representative.
Boucher has defended public education and cited her work as a volunteer as driving her wish to continue serving.
Brueggemann has been a leading voice among neighbors of the new middle school who oppose the district’s intended bus routes at the new building. He has been a frequent presence at board meetings over the last six months. Motivating his run, he has said, is a feeling that the school board is out of tune with much of the community.
With two known figures running and with a flashpoint issue in the bus route debate, it’s likely to be a competitive race.
Brenda Hastings, who currently represents Zone C or Wards 8, 9 and 10, had long said she wouldn’t run for a third term on the board. But with the filing period looming, the retired Broken Ground teacher had a change of heart. She said she sees value in applying her experience on the board to the challenges that lie ahead, from school construction to changing classroom policies.
Challenging her is Aaron Thompson, a former Rundlett teacher, current Keene State College and New England College professor and district parent. Thompson ran as a write-in candidate last year – he was initially disqualified from appearing on the ballot because he was not registered to vote (something he has since rectified).
Thompson, who has three children in the district, said this week that his top issue is the school budget and lowering district expenses, but that he’s also worried about the shortage of playing and practice space available to current students. He does not support the latest proposal for a renovation at Memorial Field.
In Zone A, or the parts of Wards 1, 2, 3 and 4 that feed into Concord Schools, Jessica Campbell did not file to run for another term on the board. Campbell, who works in banking and is a part-time professor at SNHU, previously told the Monitor that she was unsure if she could continue her service because of professional commitments.
Only one candidate for this seat, covering much of the central and northern parts of the city, is set to appear on the ballot. Jaclyn Figueira is an engineer and current district parent, who has noted her business background as a potential asset to the board.
