The winner of this contest will join Randolph’s other board member to represent the town on the 12-person Maine School Administrative District 11 school board. Randolph is the smallest community among the four that make up the school district.

Early voting is underway, and Election Day is Nov. 4.

Elissa Tracey

Tell me about yourself.

I am 47 and have resided in Randolphsince 2005. My family has maintained a camp in Madison for over 100 years, and it was this legacy that drew me to live here. My husband, Patrick, and I have four children: our two youngest were born here, and I have two grown bonus sons.

With over 25 years of experience, I have worked as a consultant and mentor across various sectors, including government (municipal, state, and federal), IT, compliance, broadband, higher education, and construction. I volunteer with Lake Wesserunsett Association, Gardiner Drama Boosters, Johnson Hall Opera House, Girl Scouts (of Maine), among other community organizations.

Why did you decide to run for school board?

I have held public office for over a decade and have served two consecutive school board terms, totaling six years. My youngest child has six more years in the MSAD 11 district, and I intend to serve throughout his tenure here and likely beyond.

What is one thing the Gardiner-area schools do well?

MSAD 11 excels at ensuring all students have a safe place to learn and thrive. During my tenure, I have been involved in hiring elementary, middle, and high school principals, as well as the superintendent, and have served on the negotiations committee and chaired the curriculum committee. I pride myself on being a trusted partner in these processes while ensuring stakeholders receive adequate and appropriate information.

What is one thing the Gardiner-area schools can improve on?

While communication could be improved, it is an area that continues to see progress.

Anything else that you would like to add?

I have always remained engaged with local matters. My career began in municipal government, where I worked for several years across every department in the city of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This experience provided me with direct insight into this role and helped me hone my networking and relationship skills. Now, nearly 30 years later, I am an active community member and eager to continue assisting MSAD 11 with its initiatives and community engagement as an elected school board member.

Dan Coutts

Tell me about yourself.

I am a father of four children, 48 years old, and have been married for 18 years. I have been a member of the Gardiner and Randolph community my entire life and have been employed by Steve McGee Construction for 23 years. As a foreman, I have managed many successful jobs in my career.

I attend First Congregational Church of Pittston and have been the head of trustees for five years. I, along with my wife, lead our youth group.

Why did you decide to run for school board?

My decision to run for the MSAD 11 school board stems from attending several board meetings over the past five years, listening to parents’ problems and concerns, and seeing no resolve. I believe parents and the schools should be working hand in hand communicating, with no secrets or hidden agendas. I would like to see schools go back to the basics and leave personal political and age-inappropriate issues out of both the classroom and locker rooms.

What is one thing that the Gardiner schools do well?

Gardiner is a great place to raise a family and has always had a strong sense of community. Two of my children attended and have graduated from the Gardiner district, growing to become successful adults. I now have two more children making their way through the district, and they-along with every student at MSAD 11, are my motivation for running.

What is one thing that the Gardiner schools could improve on?

My goal is to restore the relationship between parents and the schools, by promoting accountability, integrity, and guidance—serving as a role model who leads by example.