Two candidates are competing for one seat on the Meadows Valley School District Board of Trustees in the upcoming Nov. 4 election.
Incumbent Barb Dixon will face challenger Lisa Potter for a four-year term on the five-member board, which oversees the school system serving New Meadows and northern Adams County.
The board’s chief responsibilities are shaping school policy, setting annual budgets, and hiring district leadership.
Early voting is open at the Adams County Courthouse from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Oct. 31. On Election Day, residents of the school district can cast ballots at the New Meadows Train Depot from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voter registration will be available at the polls with current proof of residence and photo ID.
Valley Lookout sent a list of questions to each candidate regarding their candidacy. Potter’s exact responses are published below. Dixon did not respond to requests to complete the Q&A.
Zone 4 Seat race – Barb Dixon vs. Lisa Potter
Why are you seeking election to the Meadows Valley School District Board of Trustees?
Potter: I believe that people on the board should either have a kid that goes to school in Meadows Valley or about to. It helps the school to have some adults to help guide them into the direction that the community would want.
What would you like to change about the school board’s governance?
Potter: I would love to slowly bring books back into the school and keep the computers for research and typing classes. But also see if there’s a way to make MVSD Pre-K through 8.
Do you have any specific goals you would like to help the district achieve? If so, please be specific and briefly describe how you might achieve them.
Potter:
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1. Bring books back into the school to replace the laptops. Try to get grants and donations (maybe fundraisers) to help fund them.
2. See if it’s possible to send high schoolers to McCall and have Meadows Valley just be Pre-K through 8. Try to get a contract with McCall schools to fund it.
What is the biggest challenge currently facing the school district, and how would you look to address it?
Potter: I’ve been told that the laptops have been a problem and stunt learning. I would love for books to make a comeback into the school.
What should voters know about you before casting their vote?
Potter: Secretary/Treasurer for Friends of NRA since 2021. I also believe kids should be ready for the real world and not just college so having classes that help with basic things you need to be an adult like a finance class or basic mechanic class for changing a tire. Even if those classes are resourced out of the school and just volunteers, it would be a great advantage for our younger generation.
Please provide your age, occupation, number of years living in the district, and experiences that you believe make you a qualified board member.
Potter: I’m 34 years old. I’m a stay at home mom and baker (sourdough). I’ve lived in New Meadows for 5 years. I’m a quick learner and very reasonable.
Anything else not covered in the questions above?
Potter: No.
