LETTER: Marilyn Peterman Announces Candidacy

(Editor's note: The following is a candidacy announcement submitted to Amherst Patch. If you'd like to reach out to us and announce your candidacy, submit a letter and photo to Local Editor Robert Michaelson at robert.michaelson@patch.com)

My name is Marilyn Peterman.  I am running for the open position on the Souhegan School Board.

I have been a resident of Amherst for thirty-six years. Like many other "transplants" and a former educator, Amherst's reputation for quality schools was a determining factor for choosing where to live.  

Souhegan High School although not in existence at the time, has certainly added to the town's reputation for a quality education.  The town’s dedication to educational excellence benefits all of its citizens whether or not we have children in the school system now or not.  

Our students are our future and they must be able to compete in our very “small” world.  Souhegan’s mission and goals to support, empower, inspire and honor each individual student so that their learning experience will allow them to compete in that world is laudable.   In the time that Souhegan has existed it has lived up to the standards and goals it has chosen.

I am running for this position because I believe in Souhegan High School’s mission and goals but like all organizations there are challenges.   In order to meet those challenges we need a constant review of processes, procedures and services required to keep the up with the times.

As a member of the Souhegan Finance Advisory Committee for the last four years, I have studied the budgets, met with department heads and administration to try to aid the school board in determining not only what the school needs but what the taxpayers are able to afford. This is a delicate balance of the schools needs and the citizen’s ability to pay for them is one that takes innovation and creativity.  

I believe that because the community has a stake in Souhegan, that the community should know what and how the school and its students are doing.  I would like to be part of the process that helps the community become aware of how Souhegan High School is part of their lives.  After meeting with the school’s principal and the Superintendent for the District, I am convinced that they also believe the outreach mission is critical for the Souhegan to continue to maintain the community’s support.  

I served Amherst as Selectmen for six terms.  I have been a member of the Amherst Planning Board for more years than I care to remember.  I have served Amherst in the region as a planning member and in the State as a representative to the Municipal Association and appointee to Governor Shaheen’s “Best Schools Initiative.”   I also served on a committee that helped define “an adequate education” in response to the NH Supreme Courts Claremont decision.

I have the time, energy, experience and will to serve all of Amherst’s Citizens as a representative on the Souhegan School Board.

I would like your support and your vote on March 13, 2012

Thank you,

Marilyn Peterman
Mpeterman42@hotmail.com