Thank you Windham Voters

We are just a day away from heading to the polls, and so I wanted to reach out to the residents of Windham one last time. Best of luck to my fellow candidates tomorrow.

This campaign has been simply an amazing experience for me. I have learned so much, met so many wonderful people, and rekindled relationships with people that I have known in town for many years but haven’t seen for some time. I have seen first-hand the issues that face all of our schools, and how our teachers and school leaders are delivering a top notch education to our children in spite of those challenges. I have also seen our students shine as a result. The future is bright in Windham.

My reason for seeking one of the two open School Boards seats is simple, and I have continued to talk with residents about it and the feedback has been excellent.  My family has benefited from what a Windham education can provide, and I want to repay that by dedicating my time and energy to make sure that all current and future Windham students –of which I have both—will have that educational opportunity as well.

I did NOT run because I have a personal, financial, or political agenda.

I did NOT run because I have a need to take my anger out on volunteer public servants.

I did NOT run to be a rubber stamp for other board members or to be a clone of those members who are stepping down this year. I think independently, and I have my own views and opinions.

I am NOT an “insider”—we are ALL inside Windham and should all be allowed to take an active role in our school district. While I know many do just that, I also know that many have not felt they were given that opportunity. If you are reading this and feel that way, then I ask respectfully that you vote for me tomorrow because you matter.

If elected, I will work to change the culture of the School Board to one of collaboration and inclusion. This means all of us.  IF elected, I will bring you to the table with me at every meeting. I will be accessible to you to voice your concerns and opinions to me privately, and welcome you to participate in person at the meetings yourself.  YOU MATTER.

Differing opinions are always welcome with me, as long as they are presented respectfully. Some of the greatest ideas and decisions have come out of what initially was disagreement. That is good for the School Board.  Shouting matches, gamesmanship on social media and in the papers, eye rolling, and some of the other things that have happened at School Board meetings between its members over the years—on and off camera—must be a thing of the past if we have any hope at all of moving forward.

Windham deserves that. There is much work to be done, and personal issues must be checked at the door.

An effective board must work together to achieve the end goal—improving our schools for our students. Many, many hours will be spent together coming up with a comprehensive plan to improve each school over time in a way that is best for the students and fiscally responsible to the benefit of the taxpayers. A board divided will never get that important work done, which is a shame.

My personality and skill set makes me particularly qualified to help steer the School Board in the positive, collaborative direction we need it to go. I’m thoughtful, I listen, and I am honest. I care about the work that needs to be done, not getting the credit or handing out the blame.

I am thankful to be considered, humbled if you cast your vote for me, but above all—I am ready to do the work beginning on Wednesday if you elect me to your School Board.

Respectfully,

Rob Breton

Candidate for Windham School Board