During the general election on Nov. 3, two incumbent members are seeking to retain their seats on the RSU 14 Board of Directors representing Windham in a race that includes two returning candidates from the 2024 election.
Current RSU 14 Board members Joe Kellner and Marge Govoni are on the ballot along with Megan Potter and Adam Zajac. The two candidates with the most votes will win seats for three-year terms in the non-partisan election.
Profiles of Maine legislative candidates from Windham and Raymond will be published in the Oct. 23 edition of The Windham Eagle newspaper. CANDIDATE PROFILES MARGE GOVONI Occupation: Retired
Position sought: RSU 14 Board of Directors
Previous Elected Experience: RSU 14 Board of Directors for about 17 years
Why are you running for this position and please be specific? “I’m running because I care deeply about students and ensuring that every student who attends our schools is given an equal opportunity to succeed. I’ve been involved in many projects in the schools and bringing resources to students who need them and I also have been very involved with getting a new middle school and I would like to see that come to fruition. I also have a close association with staff, and I like to think they value the time I spend in the schools educating myself on how our education system works, and the effects on students, staff and families. I also work very closely with our vocational schools, which is WRVC (Westbrook Regional Vocational Center) and PATHS (Portland Arts Technology High School) trying to expand opportunities for our students because not everyone wants to be a doctor or a lawyer. I also want to make sure that staff know how appreciated they are whether they’re in a room teaching, serving lunches, sweeping the floors or driving a bus.”
If elected, what would you do to support the teachers and school administrators at RSU 14 schools to ensure they provide the best possible education to the students of this community? “By supporting programs that keep up with the latest technology that they’ll need when they leave high school, whether it be to go to college, join the military or go into a trade. I support broadening opportunities that allow them to get academic credits outside of high school and in the trade schools. Making sure that all our staff understand how they play a pivotal part in each student’s education and giving them all the support they need to do their jobs. This has changed drastically over the years, and much more is expected of them, and we should constantly assure them that we are there for them.”
Cite an example of when you successfully worked with people who disagreed with you and if elected, how do you plan to build bridges with members of opposing viewpoints? “When I went before the Town Council to see if they would let me use the land down next to the public safety building for a community garden. They were opposed to this because it was their property, and didn’t see the need, but I was able to rally up enough people who agreed with me and collectively we were able to convince the council that this was a good idea for the residence of Windham, now we have a very successful garden. Thanks to everybody’s hard work. I think communication is a key factor and being able to calmly and logically discuss things so you can come to an understanding that everyone’s thoughts and concerns need to be heard in a respectful way. There will always be times when you have to agree to disagree but hopefully there’s an understanding that everyone tried.”
In your opinion, what is the most significant issue currently facing the RSU 14 Board of Directors right now and how do you intend to address it? “Challenges are something that we face all the time. Schools unlike your traditional businesses don’t set all the rules and laws that we have to abide by. Sometimes it’s difficult to leave your beliefs at the door and remember you are only one person and have no authority to make decisions for the whole board, we follow the law and that’s not always easy, but it’s the job we signed up for so we do it to the best of our ability. I’m not complaining, only saying that we could have a new challenge at any time I think the biggest challenge we have now is the budget. The biggest opportunity we have presently is a brand-new middle school, with a lot more playing fields and the additional fields put in at Manchester School. This is something the town residents have been asking for what seems like forever. Another opportunity is at the new middle school students and staff will have a lot more outdoor education opportunities at their disposal. This is something that has been very limited in the past. The budget – every year we go through the budget with the intent of trying to still function on a reasonable level but every year the budget goes up whether we do anything or not staff contracts dictate raises (we want to retain our staff) and health insurance goes up similar to your own personal insurance. I understand because I’m also on a tight budget that we need to try to reign in expenses and I can only promise to try.”
Public education determines the trajectory of our economy, our communities, and the nation. If elected as a member of the RSU 14 Board of Directors, what do you envision your role will be in preparing children to meet the challenges of the 21st century? “I think my role in preparing students for what’s to come in the future, after they leave high school, is to make sure that they have access to the most current programs available which are keeping up with what is going on in the world. AI is the latest technology that we are trying to look at while being careful that it is not something that gets away from us. We’ve seen and heard all the warnings out there about what could possibly happen so we can only try and do our best to make sure that they’re ready. We must always make sure that what we offer students aligns with what’s current.”
Changes have been implemented by the Maine Legislature in how regional cost adjustments to school funding by the state starting with the 2027-2028 school year will incorporate a 10 percent adjustment for relative income levels based on the percentage of economically disadvantaged students. How will this affect RSU 14 and do you support this measure? “I understand where they’re coming from because districts and communities with a larger percentage of economically disadvantaged students cannot rely on the local taxes to offset their expenses to educate their students. Every time there is a change we all have to adjust but I think we are in a place where it won’t have a major impact on RSU 14.”
ADAM ZAJAC Occupation: Custom fabricator and welder. Small-business owner who teaches free welding and machining classes for local kids.
Position sought: RSU 14 Board of Directors (Windham)
Previous elected experience: None, previously ran for RSU 14 board in 2025
Why are you running for this position and please be specific? “I’m running because these schools stopped putting kids first and somebody has to say it from a seat instead of the microphone. I’m a Windham dad with three boys. I’ve sat in those board meetings. I helped organize the 2022 walkout to get the mask mandate lifted. I stood there with my son after he brought an explicit book home from middle school. I ended up pulling my own kids and homeschooling them. I still pay the taxes, and I still care what happens to every other kid in this town.
If I get on the board, I want reading and math taught first every day. I want parents told what their kids are learning and how they’re doing. I want classrooms and buses safe. And I want a real trades program so kids can leave school with a skill. The old middle school is sitting right there. Use it to teach kids how to weld, machine, and get a job. And stop growing the front office while enrollment isn’t growing with the tax bill.”
If elected, what would you do to support the teachers and school administrators at RSU 14 schools to ensure they provide the best possible education to the students of this community? “I’ll support the teachers who are actually teaching. Give them time to teach reading and math, back them when they keep order, and pay the ones who move kids forward. I’ve trained welders for years, and I teach free classes for local students. Good people stay when the job is clear and nobody dumps nonsense on them. Administrators get support when they do the job they were hired for. They don’t get a blank check. I’d put classroom spending next to front-office spending and ask what each job produces for a student. If a role isn’t helping kids read, compute, stay safe, or learn a trade, it doesn’t need to grow. Teachers don’t need another initiative. They need fewer distractions and a board that will stand behind them when they hold the line.”
Cite an example of when you successfully worked with people who disagreed with you and if elected, how do you plan to build bridges with members of opposing viewpoints? “Most of my adult life has been in a shop. Customers, employees, and other tradesmen don’t always agree with me on how a job should be done, what it should cost, or how long it should take. You still have to finish the job. I’ve trained a lot of the welders in this community, including guys who came in thinking they already knew better than me. Some of them did know better on a few things. We figured it out on the work not in an argument. That’s how I’d operate on the board. I won’t pretend the last few years were some partnership. Dealing with this board was rough and I got called a bully for speaking up. I can still sit down with people I don’t agree with, stick to the budget, the scores, and student safety, and leave the personal stuff out of it. Agreement isn’t required. Honesty is.”
In your opinion, what is the most significant issue currently facing the RSU 14 Board of Directors right now and how do you intend to address it? “The biggest problem is the board won’t level with people. Costs are up, new housing is piling on taxes and traffic, and too many kids still can’t read and do math at the level they should. Parents have had to fight over explicit material in schools and over safety, including what happens on the buses. That isn’t a side issue. That’s the job. I’d open the budget and show people what’s in the classroom and what’s in administration. I’d put a trades program in the old middle school, so kids leave with a skill that pays, and so that building does something besides sit empty. I’d require parental notice and age-appropriate libraries. None of that starts with another tax increase. It starts with the board telling the truth and spending the money we already have on kids.”
Public education determines the trajectory of our economy, our communities, and the nation. If elected as a member of the RSU 14 Board of Directors, what do you envision your role will be in preparing children to meet the challenges of the 21st century? “My job would be simple. Make sure a kid leaves RSU 14 able to read, write, do math, and do something with his hands or her hands if college isn’t the plan. The future still needs those things. It also needs welders, machinists, electricians and people who can work around new tools instead of being scared of them. I ran a welding company here for years. I built my own shop. I teach free welding and machining to local students because the schools weren’t doing it. That’s what I want this district to do. Real tools, real standards, kids who can get hired. A board member doesn’t need a slogan about the 21st century. He needs to watch the scores, watch the budget, and point the money at students.”
Changes have been implemented by the Maine Legislature in how regional cost adjustments to school funding by the state starting with the 2027-2028 school year will incorporate a 10 percent adjustment for relative income levels based on the percentage of economically disadvantaged students. How will this affect RSU 14 and do you support this measure? “In 2027–28 the state finally updates a regional salary adjustment that’s been stuck on 2005 numbers, and it ties part of the local share to income by using the percentage of economically disadvantaged students. A 10 percent piece of the mill-rate expectation shifts for that. There’s a hold-harmless, so districts don’t get cut right away. The real RSU 14 numbers aren’t out yet. We’re in a higher-cost county with high property values, so I wouldn’t count on this as a gift to Windham and Raymond. Poorer districts are the ones built to gain. I support fixing an outdated formula. I don’t support using it as an excuse to spend more. Whatever Augusta does this board still has to cut waste and put the money in classrooms and trades.”
JOE KELLNER Occupation: CEO, LifeFlight of Maine
Position sought: RSU 14 School Board (Windham)
Previous Elected Experience: Currently first term on the RSU 14 School Board
Why are you running for this position and please be specific? “I’m running for re-election because I believe deeply in our public schools and want to continue contributing to their success. I bring experience in finance, leadership, policy, and governance, including the perspective of both serving on boards and reporting to one. With a new school opening, expanded pre-K, and a continued focus on student achievement, this is an exciting time for RSU 14, and I want to help build on that momentum. With two children attending school in RSU 14, I am deeply committed to ensuring that they have a great educational experience and to helping build a school system that continues providing that experience long after they graduate.”
If elected, what would you do to support the teachers and school administrators at RSU 14 schools to ensure they provide the best possible education to the students of this community? “A core responsibility of the board is ensuring our schools are appropriately resourced to meet the educational needs of our community and support all students in achieving their potential. I have made it a priority to learn about the challenges our educators face and to understand which programs are producing results. We have seen programs such as BARR and educational coaching improve student outcomes, and I believe we should build on demonstrated successes like these. We must also recognize that success looks different for different students and families. Our focus should be ensuring every student is prepared for what comes after RSU 14, whether that means continuing their education, serving in our armed forces, entering the trades, or going directly into the workforce.”
Cite an example of when you successfully worked with people who disagreed with you and if elected, how do you plan to build bridges with members of opposing viewpoints? “When I first ran for school board, I made a deliberate effort to listen to and read perspectives with which I disagreed, including through podcasts and social media. I have continued that practice while serving on the board. It has helped me better understand opposing viewpoints and, at times, caused my own views to evolve. On the Policy Committee, for example, I have raised ideas that did not have majority support. When that happens, I make my case, listen carefully to others, accept the decision of the group, and continue working constructively toward our shared goals. I do not take disagreement personally. I believe respectful discourse should always have a place at the table, and I remain genuinely open to having my mind changed when presented with compelling information or a better argument.”
In your opinion, what is the most significant issue currently facing the RSU 14 Board of Directors right now and how do you intend to address it?“Our biggest challenge is balancing the desire to deliver a high-quality education with the financial resources required to do so. In recent years, we have faced significant financial pressures, including maintaining competitive staff compensation and substantial increases in utilities, maintenance, supplies, and other operating costs. Our community has also supported investment in a state-of-the-art school for grades 5–8 which, despite substantial state funding, carries some additional local cost. As Finance Committee chair, I have valued the opportunity to work with our administration and fellow board members to scrutinize spending carefully and ensure our resources are directed toward improving student experiences and outcomes. Over the next several years, we must continue making thoughtful investments in education while recognizing the very real financial pressures facing taxpayers. Striking that balance will remain one of the board’s most important responsibilities.”
Public education determines the trajectory of our economy, our communities, and the nation. If elected as a member of the RSU 14 Board of Directors, what do you envision your role will be in preparing children to meet the challenges of the 21st century? “My role is to help create the conditions in which our educators and students can succeed. The board establishes policy, provides governance and oversight, and ensures the district has the resources necessary to deliver an excellent education. Preparing students for the 21st century also requires recognizing that the world they will enter continues to change rapidly. We need students who can think critically, communicate effectively, adapt, solve problems, and continue learning throughout their lives. I will continue asking substantive questions, learning from our educators and community, focusing on measurable outcomes, and advocating for the resources and opportunities our students need to succeed; whichever path they choose after leaving RSU 14.”
Changes have been implemented by the Maine Legislature in how regional cost adjustments to school funding by the state starting with the 2027-2028 school year will incorporate a 10 percent adjustment for relative income levels based on the percentage of economically disadvantaged students. How will this affect RSU 14 and do you support this measure? “The school board does not make the laws that govern public education, nor do I believe its role is to take positions on those laws. Our responsibility is to understand them, ensure the district complies with them, and effectively manage their impact on our students, staff, taxpayers, and community. My focus will be on understanding its specific financial impact on RSU 14 and ensuring our schools remain properly resourced to support our vision and strategic plan. I expect RSU 14 to be treated equitably in the distribution of state education funding, and I hope changes made in Augusta do not create additional burdens for local taxpayers. Whatever circumstances we face, I will work with our administration and fellow board members to protect educational quality while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
MEGAN POTTER Occupation: Case Manager Lead
Position sought: RSU 14 Board of Directors
Previous Elected Experience: N/A
Why are you running for this position and please be specific? “I love this community, want to give back, and want every child to have the chance to thrive. As a parent of two students and someone shaped by my own challenges, I bring compassion, perspective, and resilience. Professionally, I lead a team at a local law firm, giving me strong leadership and problem-solving skills. I’ll listen, stay open-minded, and put students first while balancing families, teachers, and taxpayers.”
If elected, what would you do to support the teachers and school administrators at RSU 14 schools to ensure they provide the best possible education to the students of this community? “I would listen. Teachers and administrators know what they need to do their job to the best of their ability. I would want to have open and honest conversations about what is working, what isn’t and where they need more support.”
Cite an example of when you successfully worked with people who disagreed with you and if elected, how do you plan to build bridges with members of opposing viewpoints? “When I became a team lead, I had a case manager on my team who did not think I should have gotten the position. She felt she should have been chosen instead. I handled it the way that I handle most things: I addressed it head-on and had a direct conversation with her. I was honest with her, listened to her concerns, and we were able to move forward and work well together. I am not afraid to disagree with someone. I don’t think we all have to agree to work together. I believe you can have a disagreement and still respect each other. If elected, I would be myself, listen to different opinions, and try to find common ground where possible.”
In your opinion, what is the most significant issue currently facing the RSU 14 Board of Directors right now and how do you intend to address it? “I believe the budget is the biggest issue facing the RSU 14 Board right now. Our taxes went up significantly this past year, and I think we need to take a hard look at what we can do differently moving forward. I would want to go through the budget line by line and look at where our money is going. I think we need to find areas where we can cut or be more efficient without hurting our students or teachers.”
Public education determines the trajectory of our economy, our communities, and the nation. If elected as a member of the RSU 14 Board of Directors, what do you envision your role will be in preparing children to meet the challenges of the 21st century? “I think our job is to prepare kids for whatever comes after high school. That will look different for every student. Some will go to college, some will go into a trade, some may join the military, and some will go right into the workforce. We need to prepare them for all those options. I think we need to make sure they have a strong foundation in reading, writing, math, and critical thinking, but also give them opportunities to explore different careers and find what they are good at. Technology and AI are going to be a big part of their future, so we need to make sure they know how to use those tools while still thinking for themselves.”
Changes have been implemented by the Maine Legislature in how regional cost adjustments to school funding by the state starting with the 2027-2028 school year will incorporate a 10 percent adjustment for relative income levels based on the percentage of economically disadvantaged students. How will this affect RSU 14 and do you support this measure? “I understand why this change was made, but I need to learn more about exactly how it will affect RSU 14. My understanding is that districts with a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students could receive more state funding, but I want to see the actual numbers for our district and understand what that means for our budget and taxpayers. I support making sure our schools have the funding they need, but I also believe we have a responsibility to be careful with taxpayer money. I don’t think it would be responsible to say I fully support or oppose the change without understanding the impact on RSU 14. I would want to ask questions, look at the numbers, and to make sure we are making the best decision for our students and our community.” <
