Candidates for the Hudson School Board made their pitch for voter support before the March 11 election during the Hudson Women’s Club Candiadte Night recently.
“We have two positions on the School Board for three years and one position for two years,” explained Town Moderator Paul Inderbitzen, referring to three openings the election is set to fill.
For the three-year candidates, Randy Brownrigg was the first to speak.
“I have lived in Hudson for 30 years. I spent 20 years in the United States Navy and have travelled around the world to places like Italy, France, Morocco, Monaco, Ukraine and other countries. On each ship, I had to do community work,” said Brownrigg. “I was a state rep for Hudson in 2012; I am currently on the Budget Committee; I am also on the Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce. I served on the Conservation Commission, and I served two years as Chairman where we were able to get a bridge built at Musquash Pond to over in Pelham.”
He stressed a need to “challenge” students in AP classes and called for the demolition and reconstruction of both Library Street School and HO Smith.
Incumbent Chair Maureen Dionne emphasized the importance of a “culture of collaboration” throughout the district.
“In the last three years, the School Board and the Hudson School District have made great strides. We are well on our way to being a good school district, but there is always room for improvement,” she said. “In my three years in the Hudson School Board I have been fortunate to serve on the policy, strategic planning, and capital reserve improvement committees. Most recently I participated in the Hudson Federation of Teachers contract negotiation.”
Dionne hoped to focus on improving academic achievement and teacher retention if elected to another term.
Candidate Daniel Kilgour mentioned his 20 years’ worth of teaching experience.
“I have had experience in public and private education. I have had experience in special education, and I’m currently the humanities teacher at a school in the area. I am also head of the Social Studies Department in that area,” he said. “The main reason why I’m running for school board is the fact that I have two children; they’re 13 and 9 years old. I want this district to be the best it can be. I want to use stricter fiscal responsibility and more common sense and add some meritocracy to the School Board.
Candidate Stephen Meyer was the only name set to appear on the School Board’s two-year position for the upcoming ballot.
“I’m passionate about education, students, and supporting families. I’m invested in the Hudson School District. My children recently attended the ELC schools; they’re currently at Nottingham West, and this term, my daughter will be at Hudson Memorial,” he said. “At least two new members will be elected in this cycle, and personally, when there’s a need, I’m one to roll up my sleeves and get involved.”
Hudson’s 2025 election will take place on Tuesday, March 11. The polling location for voting residents of Ward 1 will be at Hudson Memorial School, while the polling locations for voting residents of Ward 2 will be at Alvirne High School. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
