Judi Zaino: Candidate, Milford School Board

MILFORD, NH — Judi Zaino

Age (as of Election Day)

62

Position Sought

School Board

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband of 41 years, Bart; two children who graduated from MHS and one grandchild at Heron Pond

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA in History, UNH MEd, UNH

Occupation

Retired educator of 22 years, 21 at MHS

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

Facebook.com/Judi-Zaino-For-Milford-School-Board

Why are you seeking elective office?

I think as citizens of a democratic-republic, we all need to do what we can to make our government the one which me most want. All of us can do this by voting and being vigilant and involved citizens. Some of us are willing and able to serve in elected positions. Until recently, I was not able or eligible to seek public office. Now that I am retired, I have ample time as well as the ability and skills to serve. I want to do my part as a concerned citizen to address the issues that I currently see on the Milford School Board.

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

I believe that there is a serious disconnect between the board and many of the residents of Milford. As with all representative boards, a majority rules but, and I believe here is the crux of the matter, they do so by recognizing minority rights. In the past two years, the board has made numerous decisions that have only taken into account the majority rule and, over the last year in particular, ignored opportunities for compromise with the minority. This has been flagrant and has created an environment of frustration, incivility and lack of communication . I would bring a true sense of compromise and attention to minority rights and positions.

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

With the exception of Joe Vitulli, I am an experienced educator. I am the only candidate that has worked in the Milford School District and I feel that my "insider's view" would serve me well in being able to enhance communication and compromise between the board, the superintendent, the residents and the staff.

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

Although Rick Wood is a member of the board, his tenure has not been the typical one of three years. I will say, however, that I have been frustrated with Rick's reaction to the meeting attendees. I have also been frustrated that, rather than attempt to reconcile some of the communication issues or differing opinions of board members, Rick has followed the lead of the "majority rules" thinking of the board. As a result, compromise has not occurred.

As for the board itself, I also want transparency - I want to know why the petition article never saw the light of day despite the fact that it was legally executed. I want to know why the superintendent received a 20 month "buy out" for severance without cause but had received no job review to justify it. I want honesty - whether decisions were flawed or flawless, voters have a right to know the truth.

Both of these issues are about respect for others. When people seek and gain public office, it is a sacred trust and one that should be seen as just that.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I feel that the tensions created by the board have taken away focus from our students. At the end of the day, they are who really matters.

I would like to see greater value placed on the experience and opinions of the staff. We have a cadre of skilled professionals and, not only are we not seeking their opinions, we have alienated them with policies that seem like "change for the sake of change" with little or no explanation. We need to get back to a place where communication between the SAU, the administration and the staff is based on respect and a shared mission.

Budget cuts have been largely focused on sheer numbers, not what is good for students. Paraprofessionals, library and nurses' aides are the people who directly deal with students. I think this is a "penny wise, pound foolish" solution to education. Both teaching and support staff positions that were cut last year have made a serious impact on this years' students.Even while the number of high school students did not decrease, teaching and support staff were cut.

Please look to all three of the above when I say we need to be worried about staff retention. When a school district loses its most experienced staff, it loses skills and "institutional memory."

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

I have served and been a leader on faith based boards as well as professional and educational boards. In most cases, I think that I was able to recognize all opinions and aid in compromise in decision making.

I served in several non-board leadership roles in my tenure at MHS. I gained a reputation for being honest, respectful to those I worked with as well as doing the hard jobs and making the difficult decisions when it came to dealing with a variety of people - students, parents and staff.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

"Always admit when you are wrong and apologize sincerely to the injured party(ies). It will sting in the short run but will serve you well in the long run." I have spent a good portion of my life saying I am sorry, however, I have learned over and over again that no one disrespects you for admitting you're wrong (even when it's small) but they will have a hard time respecting you if you choose not to recognize it.

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

My primary objective is to make the best decisions for our students. They deserve the finest education that we can offer them. For those who would think differently, that is my "agenda," my entire agenda. After two decades in education, I have seen a lot but few things fill me with as much pride as talking with a former student, now an adult, and have them say, " I succeeded at my job/my education/my life because of what I learned in Milford." There is no higher praise than that for the tax-payers, parents and teaching staff and all of the support staff that made it happen.

In that process, however, there are many stakeholders with competing wants and needs and serious financial implications. We need to clear the air and allow people the opportunity to share their feelings and opinions in non-threatening and respectful ways. As a board member, I would like people to know that they have a say and that their opinions, while they may not align with mine or even the final decision, have been taken into account.

Please remember to vote on March 10th between 6 am and 10pm. I would like to have your vote but whether for me or someone else, help create the school board and direction you want for the Milford Schools.