The Kennebec Journal asked candidates running for the Augusta Board of Education the questions voters might want the answers to before the election in November.

Kelly Smith, 37, a senior tax examiner, is challenging incumbent Rita Pello, 35, a Title I coordinator and regional program manager at the Maine Department of Education.

Pello has served on the board since June 2022, when she filled an open seat after a resignation. She was reelected November 2022 and now is running for a second full three-year term.

Here’s what they had to say:

Kelly Smith

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I am a longtime Augusta resident, proud parent and dedicated advocate for our public schools. My partner and I have raised our two children entirely in the Augusta school system, one a Cony graduate and one now a senior. Over the years, I’ve served on the HeadStart Policy Council and Board of Directors, the Hussey Elementary PTO, and led the Cony Middle School Parent Group, transforming it into a nonprofit to expand its impact. My commitment to education and community runs deep, and I believe in practical, student-focused leadership that puts education and accountability first.

What made you decide to run for school board?

I decided to run for the Augusta School Board because I care deeply about our students, and the future of our community. I’ve seen the incredible potential within our schools, but also the areas where we can and must do better. I’m running to bring accountability, transparency and common-sense leadership back to the table because every student deserves a strong, supportive and high-quality education, and every parent deserves a voice in how that education is shaped.

What is something the Augusta schools do well?

I’d say our elementary schools do a good job building strong relationships with students and families. They create a welcoming foundation that helps children feel supported early on. However, as a district, there isn’t one thing we consistently do well across all levels, unless you count not putting education first.

What is something the Augusta schools could improve on?

Augusta schools need to first and foremost strengthen legal compliance and accountability. Adhering to state and federal laws is essential to ensure fairness, protect student rights and maintain the integrity of our district. We also need to focus on improving educational outcomes, making sure our policies and priorities truly put learning first. Beyond that, consistency across schools must improve. Expectations should not change based on which school a student attends, who their parents know, or what their parents say or do. Every family deserves the same level of respect, fairness and communication — without bias or favoritism. And most importantly, families must be treated as true partners in education, not as outsiders. Parents are the ones raising their children, and their voices should be valued and included in every decision that affects them.

Anything else you would like the community to know?

My candidacy isn’t just about promises. It’s about restoring respect, transparency and trust. I believe school board meetings should be true open forums where every voice matters, and I’ll work to revise public comment policies so no one ever feels silenced. I’m also deeply committed to ensuring our policies are lawful and fair, especially on student inclusion in athletics, where we must uphold Title IX while protecting fairness in female sports. Above all, I want people to feel heard and involved. I’ll strive to explain decisions clearly, acknowledge concerns, and rebuild the trust that our schools and community deserve.

Rita Pello

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I’ve been in education for 13 years. First, as a high school English teacher and now as a state employee where I help districts in Maine secure federal funding for their highest-need students. For fun, I enjoy traveling around Maine with the Augusta Birding Club. I also enjoy camping, playing boardgames, reading and cooking with family and friends.

What made you decide to run for school board?

I am a former high school teacher who has experienced firsthand how education policies can impact the classroom and the livelihood of students, teachers and staff. It’s crucial that we have a strong administration, teachers who are professionally supported, and students who have every opportunity to succeed in their lives and careers. Our public schools have the ability to create civil, kind, skillful and thoughtful adults and we should all be in the business of making sure this is happening. I understand how our education system works, and have dedicated my life and career to helping schools and students thrive.

What is one something the Augusta schools do well?

Ensuring that students feel welcomed, safe and included in their school community. Teachers, staff and administration strive to do the best they can to provide spaces, programs and curricula that accommodate a wide variety of learners, abilities and interests. The Augusta schools pursue major grant opportunities that help us develop programs like the alternative education program and have embraced technological innovation in order to keep up with evolving trends in educational practices.

What is something the Augusta schools could improve on?

We need to continue to strengthen academic programming, decrease drop-out rates, find alternate pathways to education and career, and connect resources from the school to the city. I know there are other community partnerships to pursue that could help students, especially those not involved in athletics, to strengthen their skills and connection to the community at large.

Anything else you would like the community to know?
I am excited for the opportunity to continue helping improve our schools and supporting our community. By providing a strong education for our kids, we commit to building a strong future for our city.