Two candidates are competing for one open seat to represent Canterbury on the Shaker Regional School Board; a third is running unopposed for a Belmont seat on the board. All will be elected at-large by voters in both communities. We invited them to introduce themselves here. Jeff Roberts, the Belmont candidate, did not respond, but the submissions from the two Canterbury candidates follow.

Canterbury voters will cast ballots in their race, as for open town positions, will be held on Tuesday, March 12, at the Town Hall, 1 Old Tilton Road, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

MICHELLE LEWIS

My name is Michelle and I’m running for re-election to the Shaker Regional School Board. Since joining the board in 2018, I’ve worked hard for the residents of Canterbury and the Shaker Regional School District. For the last two years I have served as school board chair, providing valuable knowledge and information to new board members and administration, and asking key questions related to policy, budget, and governance.

During the past 6 years I have learned the complexities and difficulties in creating a school district budget that focuses on a high-quality education for students while keeping the taxpayers at the forefront. There are no easy decisions as we have a responsibility to students and the larger community. I will examine the issues, ask hard questions, make tough decisions and revise policies and procedures as required.

I have been a resident of Canterbury for the past 21 years. My children attended Canterbury Elementary School, Belmont Middle School, and Belmont High School. One graduated in 2022 and is attending college in NY and one is currently a senior. I am an active volunteer in the Canterbury community, serving as the co-race director for the Canterbury Woodchuck Classic 5K and Chipmunk Scramble for the last 10 years. I have also coordinated Canterbury Soccer for five years and served as a project leader for Canterbury Rascals 4-H Club.

I am committed to the community of Canterbury and Shaker Regional School District as a whole. I would appreciate your vote on Tuesday, March 12.

Feel free to email me with any questions at lewis4nh@comcast.net.

JESSICA TREADWAY

My name is Jessica Treadway, and I am running for election to the Shaker Regional School Board. In the 10+ years of residing in this town, I continually fall in love with the small-town charm and tight-knit sense of community that Canterbury brings.

As the parent to two young children currently attending Canterbury Elementary School, I am no stranger to the Shaker Regional school system. On the local level, I have spent many days chaperoning field trips, hosting classroom parties as room parent, and fundraising for the school. On a broader scale, I have also served as a member of the Withdrawal Study Committee where I got glimpses into the function of the school board as it operates today.

While I am proud of our schools and their rich heritage, I am taken aback, as many of you are, by the hefty price tag associated with it.

We can do better. As a manager by profession for the last 18 years, I am accustomed to leading individuals through changes and challenges to deliver amazing results as well as delivering feedback when necessary to maintain expectations. I will not back down from difficult conversations that need to happen, including topics such as the grading system and open enrollment. That is why I think I am the best choice to serve our community on the Shaker Regional School Board. Thank you in advance for your vote. 

If you’d like to get in touch, email me at jessicatreadway39@gmail.com.