Laurie Rothhaus: Candidate, Merrimack School Board

Laurie Rothhaus

Age (as of Election Day)

61

Position Sought

Merrimack School Board

Party Affiliation

The School Board race is nonpartisan.

Family

Finlay Rothhaus -husband
3 children, Erin, Ryan and Sarah
5 grandsons, Michael, James, Luke, Finlay, Hollis

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

yes

Education

BSED- Keene State College 1981 MED-University of New Hampshire 1993

Occupation

Teacher 24 years
Assistant Principal/Principal 11 years
Director of Adult and Community Education 3.5 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Merrimack School District Planning and Building Committee member since 2004
Executive Board to the NHIAA

Campaign website

laurierothhaus.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe I have the experience and skills to make a difference in our community. Growing up in Merrimack my father was on the school board for 12 years in the late 1960's and 1970's , He was instrumental in the building of Reeds Ferry and Thornton Ferry Schools. My family values the importance of education and many of my family members were teachers. A long-range goal of mine was to be a member of the school board. I always had competing priorities with my job and raising a family and now I am able to make the commitment.

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

Currently, the most pressing issue facing our school district is the pandemic and how we are going to continue to meet the learning needs of all students. When our schools are re-opened we must have a plan to address adjustments to the curriculum so all students are prepared for the next grade level. Teachers and school leaders will need to continue to communicate with parents about their children's academic progress.

My focus will be on Results. Our Merrimack community has always supported and believed in education. Together we can make our schools a better place to grow and learn.

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

Beyond introducing myself to the other candidate, I do not personally know him or his views and philosophy on education. I can only speak about my credentials and what I have accomplished in education. When I became the Assistant Principal and then Principal of a small area high school, we had an alarming drop out rate. Our school became a nationally ranked high school during my tenure with our drop out rate going to zero dropouts for many years.

We were a competency-based high school and our students always scored above the state average on standardizing testing. I was recognized by the former Commissioner of Education for my work with the League of Innovative Schools.

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

The current officeholder chose not to seek re-election.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Results-driven for school improvement
Personalization and Relevance
Cares about our Merrimack Community
All graduates will be college or Career Ready
To support students attending CTE programs
Working together with all stakeholders- Communication
Strongly believes Best Practices
To be a responsible member of the school board who demonstrates the core values of Character, courage, respect and trustworthiness.

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

I participated in the 250th Merrimack celebration and through our fundraising we created Abbie Griffin Park. This park and wonderful bandstand give our town a central place to gather and enjoy summer recreation.

I am extremely proud of my parents who with seven other couples were the original founders of the Merrimack Youth Association. My family has continued to volunteer by coaching and fundraising over the years. Last year we formed a committee to celebrate 50 years of the Merrimack Youth Association.

I will always be proud of the teams I coached at Merrimack High School. One of my fondest memories is winning the 1998 Girl's Varsity Championship game against West High School.

In middle school, I was cut from the newly formed softball team in eight grade. I found the courage to try out for the Varsity Team in High School. I was named Captain of the Varsity Softball team during my senior year. Returning to Coach the Mastricola Middle School team to their first-ever championship and winning two more championships.

I was the founder of the SADD program at Merrimack High School which won a National Readers Digest competition for being an outstanding chapter.

I have been appointed to the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association Executive Board and am currently Chair of the NHIAA Spirit Committee. I worked with the NHIAA to create the curriculum for "Life of an Athlete". In 2020 I represented the North East region as a National committee member of the National Federation of High School Sports Spirit rules committee.

I cherish my years in teaching, coaching, being an adviser, an administrator. I am passionate about teaching and learning. I am grateful for all the students I have had the opportunity to work with through my 39 years in education. I understand the incredible responsibility it is to work in education and believe in all of my students past and present.

My greatest accomplishment is being a mother and grandmother. My children have been a blessing and made us proud of their many accomplishments. All three of our children have graduated from college and are leading successful lives. I worked hard to balance my career with raising my family.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Walt Disney: First, THINK, second, BELIEVE, Third, DREAM, and finally DARE

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

Please visit my website to read my resume. If elected I will be a strong leader and supporter of our school community.