Hanover Interviews Six Candidates for School Committee Vacancy

Applicants discuss budget challenges, potential override vote as district faces fiscal cuts

HANOVER, MA - June 24 - Six candidates vying for an open seat on the Hanover School Committee presented their qualifications and views on key issues facing the district during a joint meeting of the Select Board and School Committee on Jun. 24.

The vacancy arose after a committee member stepped down, leaving 11 months remaining in the term. The appointed candidate will serve until May 2025, when the seat will be up for election.

Candidates Rachel Hughes, Jessica Bowers, Chris Tracy, Chuck Wilson, Jim O'Brien and Megan Campia each made their case for why they should be selected to fill the role. They fielded questions on topics including budget challenges, potential override votes, and their vision for the district's future.

Several candidates highlighted the need for another Proposition 2 1/2 override attempt next year to address the district's financial struggles. An override vote failed earlier this year, leading to significant budget cuts.

"I am 100% in support of an override," said Hughes, who serves on the town's Advisory Committee. "Even before this, our schools are not being funded to the level of our state average."

Hughes emphasized the importance of collaboration between the school district and town in communicating the need for an override to voters. She also advocated for implementing tuition-free full-day kindergarten as both an equity measure and potential revenue driver through increased state funding.

Campia, who has a background in educational leadership, argued an override is necessary to maintain educational quality.

"We can provide quality education, but I think when we say we're not going to provide an override and we're going to continue to provide high-quality education, we're essentially going back to our educators and we're saying, we want you to do exactly what you're doing or more than what you're doing with less resources," she said.

Tracy, who has experience in government and public affairs, said he would support an override if colleagues with more experience believe it's the best path forward. However, he emphasized the need to examine commercial tax rates and the town's fiscal management history.

"I think we need to get creative and we need to look outside the box," Tracy said.

Bowers, who works in banking, suggested focusing on keeping teachers engaged and supported amid budget constraints. She proposed leveraging community talent and increasing volunteer involvement to supplement resources.

"I think that if we all work together, I mean, everyone on this call has the exact same goals for our schools," Bowers said. "Together with the so many other amazing people in Hanover that we can collaborate to make sure that we're keeping this learning culture strong here with or without an override."

Wilson, a teacher, highlighted the importance of public engagement in building support for future funding measures. He suggested starting budget discussions earlier and communicating more effectively with voters.

O'Brien emphasized the need for long-term planning and investing in staff development to retain quality educators.

Candidates also discussed challenges like rising special education costs, maintaining programs in arts and music, and balancing the needs of different student populations.

The Select Board and School Committee will reconvene on Jun. 26 to deliberate and vote on the appointment. The chosen candidate will join the committee as it grapples with difficult budget decisions and considers strategies for securing additional funding in the coming year.

The high level of interest in the vacancy reflects growing community engagement around school issues following the failed override vote. Select Board Chair Vanessa O'Connor expressed hope that all candidates would remain involved in town affairs regardless of the appointment outcome.

"I think it's been huge to see how many people are now engaged," O'Connor said. "I think that's going to be the kind of the turning point here is how many people really are interested."