Merrimack Valley voters will cast their ballots on March 5 in four School Board races, though only one is contested.
Loudon resident Amanda York, who was appointed last year to fill a vacancy, is running unopposed. Newcomers Spencer Dickinson of Penacook and Ryan Gunn of Boscawen are also running unopposed.
The lone competition is for the district’s at-large seat: Incumbent Jessica Wheeler Russell of Penacook will face off against Republican state Rep. Louise Andrus of Salisbury.
The Monitor sent questionnaires to all Select Board and School Board candidates running in towns within our coverage area. Dickinson did not submit a form upon request.
What is your occupation or experience?
Andrus: Retired bookkeeper and office manager. Have attended MVSD school board meetings, public hearings, annual meetings and some committee meetings for the past 14 years and have gained an excellent working knowledge of the school district.
Gunn: My career as an IT engineer has taught me the importance of problem-solving, accountability, transparency and long-term planning. These same principles are critical when making decisions that impact our schools, our students and our taxpayers.
Russell: I have served on the Merrimack Valley School District Board since late 2020, providing steady leadership through complex financial and policy decisions. As a software engineer, I bring technical expertise in data analysis and data protection, strengthening oversight, informed decision-making, accountability and long-term district stability.
York: I work in healthcare data and quality improvement supporting trauma systems, where accuracy, accountability and transparency are essential. As a parent of four students in the district and a current school board member, I bring both a parent’s perspective and professional experience analyzing complex information and asking important questions.
Why are you running and what do you see as the most pressing issues in town?
Andrus: I want to be a part of a team of School Board members that ensures that students obtain the education they deserve. And I would like to work to minimize or reduce cost increases for the taxpayers.
Gunn: I am running in order to serve my community and provide open and honest communication with all taxpayers and stakeholders. Currently the most pressing issue is the cost of building and grounds maintenance and upgrades that will need to happen shortly.
As a parent of a first-grader in the district, I have a vested interest in making sure the school is supported and taxpayers in the community trust that their money is being put to good use.
Russell: As a mother of two children in our district, I have a deeply personal investment in the success of our schools. I believe public education is the great equalizer opening doors of opportunity for all students and I am committed to ensuring we provide the best possible education within a responsible, sustainable budget.
The most pressing issues facing our district include rising education costs, particularly in special education. These expenses are significant and often unpredictable, which makes long-range financial planning essential. We have been working on solutions by thoughtfully expanding our in-district special education programs, allowing us to better serve students locally while managing costs more effectively.
We are also a district in transition. Leadership stability and experience matter during times of change. Finally, public education is facing increasing external pressures. We need steady voices who will stand up for strong public schools and protect the public goods that benefit our entire community
York: I’m running to continue advocating for students, families and taxpayers while ensuring our school district operates with transparency and accountability. I’m not afraid to ask the questions that need to be asked. Our community deserves clear information, responsible budgeting and a strong focus on student learning and outcomes.
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
Andrus: I want to give our students the education they deserve but also to work for the taxpayers to keep costs under control.
Gunn: If elected, I will work hard to find the often impossible balance between properly supporting our students and maintaining strong fiscal responsibility. I believe we can invest in education while also respecting the financial realities faced by families in our district. I am committed to being as transparent as possible with the residents of the Merrimack Valley School District, communicating clearly, listening openly and making decisions grounded in both data and community input.
Russell: If elected, I hope to continue strengthening transparency and community engagement. This year, we’ve made real progress by sharing budget information earlier and holding town finance committee visits. I would like to build on that momentum and continue expanding my monthly newsletters so residents feel informed and included in district decisions.
I also want to stay focused on long-range planning and responsible budgeting. That includes continuing to explore ways to curb expenses, such as expanding in-district special education programs so students can remain close to their support systems while also reducing costly out-of-district placements.
Lastly, I will continue supporting our students and staff to improve outcomes in meaningful ways. Student success is about more than a test score. Our children are more than numbers on a spreadsheet. They deserve individual support, opportunity and the chance to thrive.
York: If elected, I will continue working to strengthen transparency, encourage open dialogue and ensure decisions are carefully reviewed. I’m not afraid to ask difficult questions if it means protecting the interests of students, families and taxpayers while keeping our district strong academically and financially responsible.