Tracey Lesser, District A Charter Commission Candidate

Tracey Lesser

Age (as of Election Day)

44

Position Sought

Concord School Charter Commission

Party Affiliation

Family

Husband- Adam, Children- Frances (14) and Jane (7)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

B.Phil. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Miami University, M.S. in Natural Resources Management: Water Resources from University of New Hampshire

Occupation

Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Science at NHTI, Concord's Community College - 13 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/Tracey-Lesser-Concord-School-District-Charter-Commission-District-A-108982404876954

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have decided to run for the Concord School District Charter Commission because I believe that the School Board should be a fully independent, elected body that has equal representation throughout the City. In order to equitably and appropriately fund our schools, the elected School Board must be able to set their own budget and adjust the tax rate through an open and transparent process in order to be accountable to those they represent. It is the duty of the School Board to ensure that all the employees within the SAU are following district policies and state laws, and are acting in an equitable, non-discriminatory manner in every interaction with staff, students, and parents.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The Concord Schools have some large financial expenditures ahead of them. Rundlett Middle School serves almost 900 students and needs to be completely renovated or replaced. The faculty and staff have done their best to make the school happy and full of life and to give the best education possible around roof leaks, overheated rooms, broken bathrooms, and too small spaces. But the School Board needs to be able to fund a building that will meet the needs of Concord students going forward. The building needs to be innovative, flexible, energy efficient and forward thinking. Programs such as the CRTC also need to be expanded and more robustly funded, as does early childhood reading and math interventions and services. Only an independent school board can ensure this type of flexible funding.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As an educator and parent with children in the school district, I understand the specific needs of the Concord Public Schools students. As a professional educator who has worked in public, private, and higher education settings, I understand the needs of learners. And, as a community member I have a vested interest in making sure the Concord School District continues to produce well-educated, well-adjusted students within an affordable, transparent budget.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Not applicable to position I am seeking to be elected to.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The Charter Commission retaining the School Board’s ability to determine a transparent budget and set the tax rate. My years in higher education give me first-hand knowledge of the importance of having strong funding of education from early childhood through high school. Well-funded schools lead directly to local industry having a strong, motivated workforce. NH has an aging population and strong schools along with access to higher education and career opportunities help attract people to the state. An independent school board has the ability to make sure the needs of the current population of students are being met.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As an educator, I have developed programs, created partnerships with K-12 schools, and worked with grants that connect diverse populations such as the Sycamore Community Garden on the NHTI campus. I believe my experience in public education and research allow me understand the nuances of this commission and make well-educated, well-researched decisions.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Please vote for me, Tracey Lesser, for the Concord School District Charter Commission on November 2, 2021.