Marion L. Paxton, Hopkinton, NH

Dear Members and Friends of the HCTA:

I am running for school board and would appreciate your consideration. I live on Sugar Hill Road and have been a Hopkinton resident for 10 years. I consider myself to be a frugal Yankee, and a fiscal conservative. I was born and raised in Connecticut, and have lived in New England all of my life.

I am the first woman to receive a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree from the University of Connecticut. I also have a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts. I have completed additional course work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (in Civil and Sanitary Engineering) and at the University of Southern Maine (in Learning Disabilities).

I had teaching certificates for grades K-8, in general education, and for grades K-12 in learning disabilities from the State of Maine. As a concerned parent, I was actively involved in the education of my 4 children in the Brunswick Maine School System.

I also worked in that system as a Chapter 1 Math tutor in grades 3 through 6, a Learning Disability Tutor in grades 4 through 6, and a Resource Room Teacher for grades 9 through 12.

I have been involved in government as a member of the Brunswick Planning Board, having served as its chairperson, and as a member of the Brunswick Zoning Board of Appeals. My other leadership experience includes being President of my Church Council, and President of the American Association of University Women, Bath-Brunswick Branch and the State of Maine Division. I have held numerous other positions in a variety of organizations.

I do not have any children in the Hopkinton-Contoocook school system, but I strongly believe in the importance of a quality education. I know that the resources of Hopkinton residents are limited. It is especially important to make decisions which will maintain excellent education but not unduly burden taxpayers. I believe that my experience with education and in leadership roles with other organizations makes me well qualified to serve the taxpayers of this community on the School Board.

Please contact me with questions, suggestions, and concerns, either by phone: 746-6283, or email: mjp657@aol.com. I look forward to hearing for you, and to representing you on the Hopkinton School Board.