Belfast voters have re-elected incumbent school board member Martha Proulx and selected Madison Cook, a write-in candidate, to represent the city on the RSU 71 school board for the next three years. Proulx secured the most votes with a total of 1,706, while Cook received 1,338 votes. In contrast, Alva Philbrook, a local drywall company owner, garnered 646 votes, and Rachel Philbrook, who had previously withdrawn from the race, received 474 votes.
The election reflected a range of critical issues, particularly concerning policies related to transgender students. This topic has substantially influenced school board races across Maine in recent years. Proulx, a social worker experienced in child welfare services, indicated that her candidacy was not motivated by these policies. She emphasized that all representatives must adhere to the Maine Human Rights Act, regardless of personal beliefs.
Alva Philbrook’s campaign was notably affected by a mailer from the Maine First Project, a right-wing group advocating for local school board participation. The mailer urged support for Philbrook, highlighting his stance against allowing transgender girls to compete on female sports teams or use associated facilities. Although Philbrook stated he had requested the project not to send out the fliers, he also indicated a willingness to support changes to existing policies if they were proposed.
Cook, who previously served on the architecture faculty at Virginia Tech, was aware of the contentious issues surrounding the election. She stated that she understood “what was at stake” when she decided to run. Her campaign began before the mailer circulated, and she wanted to ensure that all students, including transgender individuals, were treated fairly within the school system.
The upcoming term will require the new representatives to address several pressing matters, including budgetary concerns, upgrades to aging facilities, and the ongoing search for a superintendent following two years of interim leadership. The decisions they make will have lasting impacts on the students and community of Belfast.
As the newly elected board members prepare to take office, the focus will shift to implementing policies that align with both local values and state mandates. The community will be watching closely as these leaders navigate the challenges ahead.