FALMOUTH — There are two candidates for two seats on the School Board this June.

The uncontested candidates are James Cahan, husband of Town Councilor Hope Cahan, and political newcomer Krisztina Napolitano.

According to Town Manager Nathan Poore, “There is no state law, town ordinance or Charter provision that would prohibit a councilor’s spouse from serving on the School Board.”

Balloting in the municipal election will be held 7 a.m.-8 p.m. June 11 at Falmouth High School. Contact the town clerk’s office at 699-5305 for more information, including how to register to vote.

James Cahan

Cahan is running for the School Board to give back to the community, he said this week.

“Serving my community has always been important to me,” he said, “(and) there are few things more meaningful or important than providing children with the foundation to succeed.”

He said one of his concerns is “ensuring the physical, mental and emotional health of our students. It’s also important to make sure Falmouth students have the tools they need to prosper in school and after graduation.”

Cahan said balancing those needs “within a responsible budget is critical for the success of our schools” and that’s one of the skills he hopes to bring to the School Board.

Cahan also described himself as an active listener who is used to negotiating, asking questions, and guiding discussion. He also touted his ability to collaborate and provide support for fellow team members.

“While I know how to take a position and advocate for it, I also know to keep an open mind and consider the whole picture and its impacts before taking a position,” he said. “I believe these abilities will translate well into being a productive and effective School Board member.”

Krisztina Napolitano

Napolitano said she’s running to support not only students, but teachers and administrative staff.

Like Cahan, she also wants to make sure the School Department continues its reputation for providing a high-quality education “within the boundaries of a fiscally responsible budget.”

Napolitano also said she has a vested interest in the success of the Falmouth schools, since she has one child in the system and a younger child who will be enrolled in another five years.

“As a resident of Falmouth who values quality education, I can introduce creative solutions and work with the board to solve challenges that will help the school and community balance quality education with fiscal responsibility,” she said.

Napolitano said her top priorities include addressing proficiency-based grading, school capacity, vaping and the spread of “highly contagious communicable diseases,” within the school community.

She’s also concerned about how legislation passed at the state level impacts schools at the local level, including a possible mandate to make room for pre-kindergarten classrooms in schools that are already at capacity.

Napolitano said her MBA also gives her “the financial skills to review, prepare and analyze financial statements,” and she’s well-versed in creative problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Kate Irish Collins can be reached at 780-9097 or kcollins@theforecaster.net. Follow Kate on Twitter: @KIrishCollins.

Cahan

James Cahan

Age: 57

Address: 22 Surrey Lane

Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, master’s in political behavior

Occupation: Employed by Kennebec County

Political experience: Worked for San Francisco Mayor Diane Feinstein and U.S. Sen. Pete Wilson, R-California; also managed political campaigns

Napolitano

Krisztina Napolitano

Age: 38

Address: 34 Woodlands Drive

Education: Master’s degree in business administration

Occupation: Client manager

Political experience: None

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