Continuing his interest in education at the local level, Dean of the College Lee Pelton was elected to the Hanover School Board on March 12.
He garnered 629 of 774 votes in an election for three three-year seats. There were four candidates vying for three spots.
Pelton will also serve on the Dresden School Board and School Administrative Unit 22 board.
"I had to think long and hard about running this year. I had to have many conversations with my family. [The position] takes me away many hours a week from family life," Pelton said.
The Hanover School district consists of the Bernice A. Ray School which serves kindergarten through fifth grade.
The Dresden School District includes the Richmond Middle School and Hanover High School. The district is supported by both Hanover and Norwich tax payers.
SAU 22 is the central office that manages the finances and administration of the Hanover, Norwich, Dresden, Lyme and Orford districts. This board consists of every school board member from all of those districts.
Pelton has served on the Hanover board since last June. He was appointed to take over the position of Mary Abbott, who retired after 23 years of service.
Pelton ran in the school board election last year but lost and was later appointed to fill Abbott's seat.
"I am interested in education whether it is the secondary or college level," he said. "I am very interested in making sure schools in this district teach fundamental and abiding skills so that students may develop the capacity to be good citizens and live in a diverse culture."
Pelton said he ran for the position because it is in his "self interest."
His daughter attends school in the Hanover district and his 2 year-old son will soon as well.
But Pelton said he had other motives for running.
"I believe passionately in what is called a civic virtue -- to give of oneself to the community," he added.
Before taking on the position in June, Pelton said he had no past experience in local school policy.
"I am an amateur. I am a parent who knows something about education," he said. "I am an interested citizen searching for a way to contribute to the community."
Pelton said there are three main issues that the board needs to address this year.
SAU 22 must hire a new superintendent because current Superintendent Joseph Della Badia is not seeking to renew his contract in June 1997.
The search for a replacement will most likely begin this fall, Pelton said.
The district budget is another issue the board will address.
"The budget process is complicated. I want to be a part of improving the way the board communicates the budget to the citizens of Hanover," Pelton said.
He said the board will also look at curriculum requirements.
"There are issues around curriculum which require some attention," he said.
Peter Murdza, Howard Corwin and C. Harker Rhodes were also elected to the Hanover board. Rhodes won an uncontested race for a two-year term.
Murdza is an actuary. Corwin and Rhodes are physicians at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
Jack Panzica also ran but did not earn a seat on the Hanover board.
