Fresh Faces Elected to RSU 21 School Board

Voters in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel came out in full force during the annual town election on June 11, resulting in a shakeup on the RSU 21 School Board. Newcomers and incumbents alike faced off in a race that captured the attention of the community.

In Kennebunkport, challenger Rachel Kennedy-Smith emerged victorious over appointed incumbent Diane Franz for a one-year term on the School Board. Kennedy-Smith garnered 585 votes compared to Franz’s 501 votes.

Meanwhile, voters in Kennebunkport also re-elected Megan Michaud, an appointed incumbent, to serve a three-year term on the School Board. Michaud ran unopposed and received an overwhelming 879 votes.

Over in Arundel, newcomer Kirstan Watson secured a three-year term on the School Board with 328 votes, defeating fellow candidate Rodney Sparkowich, who received 137 votes.

On the other hand, appointed incumbent Britney Gerth decided not to seek re-election and instead ran unopposed for the final year of an unfinished term on the School Board. Gerth received 416 votes and will take over the seat vacated by former Chair Erin Nadeau.

In Kennebunk, voters elected Matthew Strafford and Abigail Spadone to represent them on the School Board for three-year terms. Strafford led the race with 1,475 votes, followed closely by Spadone with 1,389 votes. Rebecca Lewis, the third candidate, received 967 votes.

Strafford and Spadone will succeed Amanda Downing and current School Board Chair Peter Sentner, who opted not to run for another term.

Additionally, voters in all three RSU 21 communities approved the district’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2025, with a final tally of 2,362 in favor and 1,928 opposed.

The election results signify a changing of the guard on the RSU 21 School Board, with a mix of fresh faces and familiar names set to steer the district towards its educational goals. The community has spoken, and the School Board members are ready to serve and lead in the best interest of students, parents, and staff alike.