I am supporting Ryan Harnden in his re-election candidacy for the RSU 71 school board. Mr. Harnden currently sits on our board and is an integral part of the dynamic, successful group.

Beyond his impressive resume as someone who has served on previous school boards, what I (and many others) admire most about Ryan is the fact that he always puts children first. He puts our district students' needs above all when making decisions.

Ryan takes the time to listen and “do his homework” before making decisions. Ryan himself is a citizen of Belfast, and has made the choice for his children to attend our local schools.

As an RSU 71 employee and district parent who attends board meetings regularly, I appreciate Mr. Harnden’s voice of reason and the energy he brings to school issues. Ryan is very willing to hear from staff, students, parents and community members in regards to decisions made by the board. 

As a current school board member, Ryan has helped create and maintain a vision for our district to engage and elevate all. He holds the vision accountable by regularly assessing achievement objectives.

Ryan helps apply the vision by establishing district policies and guidelines that are appropriate for all and makes decisions which support student learning and encourages an environment for innovative teaching and learning.

Ryan’s advocacy of our district vision is unparalleled. He often seeks other input from those who can help expand educational opportunities, he promotes school board service as a meaningful way to make long-term contributions to society and he models behavior that emphasizes trust, teamwork and shared accountability. 

Ryan Harnden for school board is an easy choice. He is smart, thorough, responsive and again, he is deeply committed to the children, parents and schools in our district. 

Catie Ray lives in Searsmont. She is a teacher at RSU 71, and a parent, and was the 2023 Waldo County Teacher of the Year