Bill Blum, Portsmouth School Board Candidate

Bill Blum

Age (as of Election Day)

44

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

School Board Portsmouth, NH SAU 52

Party Affiliation

Family

Claire is my 7 year old Daughter who goes to New Franklin

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Some College

Occupation

Owner of Pride Toolbox

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

n/a

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am looking to join the School Board to strengthen our already wonderful CTE Program. I was in the Automotive Service Industry locally for 20 years. I have Served previously on the Advisory Committee for the Automotive Program at Portsmouth High School for 5 years as well as the Advisory Committee for the Seacoast School of Technology for 15 years. During that time I was awarded the Champions of Children Award from SAU 16. It is my goal to ensure that the future is a bright as mine was coming out of High School and starting a trade making enough income to survive on my own without a College Degree and the associated debt attached to it.
Additionally, I am running to look to continue the work of the current School Board in making sure that there is always an inclusive and supportive environment for which all of our kids can learn and thrive. I believe the Schools provide both a learning environment as well as a social environment for our kids, and both of those are important. Simply put, I believe the schools not only teach our kids the curriculum ,they also teach our kids to be themselves. The Schools provide a safe space for our kids to be themselves that is outside of the home as well and I am supportive of that.

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

Open Staff Positions. Yes, there have been recent pay adjustments for the current staff however it is my belief that that is only part of the problem. I would look towards the data. Why did staff leave? Is there a focus on retention? Are we doing enough for the whole of the employee? I believe employee compensation is compromised of many things and pay is just part of the equation.

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

Our differences are that we all have different names and different backgrounds. The world is better that way. It is up to each voter to make their own assessment of us and choose a pool of candidates that complete their vision as there are four open seats Ultimately, it is my desire to serve with people who have a varied skillset and background.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

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

The best advice ever shared with me was:

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

My pronouns are they/them