If you're a resident of Newark, Vermont, here’s a powerful way to make a tangible difference in your community: consider running for the open Kingdom East School Board seat. This is not just a civic duty — it’s an opportunity to shape the future of local education, represent your town, and bring your voice to important district decisions.

Why This Matters:

The Kingdom East Unified Union School District (KESD) serves students in eight towns — Burke, Concord, Lunenburg, Lyndon, Newark, Sheffield, Sutton, and Wheelock. With 1,050 students spread over roughly 363 square miles, it’s a district that thrives on community input and strong governance. 

Having a dedicated representative from Newark ensures that our town’s unique perspectives, needs, and values are brought directly into district-level conversations. Right now, that opportunity is open: the board currently has a vacancy for a Newark representative

What It Means to Be a Board Member

According to the Vermont School Boards Association, serving on a school board is a significant role. Board members:

• Help set the vision for the district
• Establish important policies
• Hire and hold the superintendent accountable
• Oversee the budget and finances
• Monitor student performance and district health

What Makes a Great Candidate

If you’re thinking of stepping up, here are some qualities that VSBA highlights as especially valuable:

• A long-term vision for education, not just reacting to immediate needs
• A commitment to work cooperatively with other board members
• Willingness to listen, reflect, and support board decisions — even if you don’t always agree
• Dedication to transparency and community engagement

Even if you’ve never held public office, you don’t need to be an expert in school finance or policy. What matters most is that you care deeply about your community and are ready to roll up your sleeves.

If you’ve ever thought about doing more for Newark — if you want to influence how our students are taught, how our schools are run, and how resources are used — this is your chance. Running for the Kingdom East School Board isn't just a part-time gig; it’s a commitment to community, to kids, and to the future of our town.

Please consider getting involved. Reach out, ask questions, and take that first step. Newark needs a strong, thoughtful voice on the Kingdom East Board — and that voice could be yours.