Timothy Wood for RSU40 District School Board

06/24/2024

The ballot recount was today at 2 pm. The results came back exactly as the machine had counted them. I lost by 9 votes.
Again, I appreciate the support from those who turned out for me on June 11. I also appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding in my request for a recount.
One thing I will say, is that with approx 2000 registered voters in Union, a little less than 750 showed up to cast their vote. That in my opinion is disconcerting. No matter who you vote for, VOTE. We live in a constitutional republic, but have a democratic process where we are given the opportunity to elect people who we feel best represent us. Not even half of our town showed up. Encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to take the time and get to the polls.

Congratulations again Rachel Wilcox for RSU 40 School Board on your victory.

Wishing you all a wonderful summer!

Respectfully,

Timothy Wood for RSU40 District School Board

06/15/2024

“For the Sake of Transparency”

It has been brought to my attention since my last post on accepting the results of Tuesdays election that the person responsible for the theft of three of my campaign signs, (two outright, and the third by coercing their neighbor to do it once I had taken them to task personally) was working as an election officer at the polls on Tuesday.
This type of behavior is not acceptable and does not instill trust in our democratic process. They also removed two signs for a select board candidate and coerced their neighbor to remove two more select board candidates signs.
With this latest development and the nine vote disparity separating loss from victory, I will be asking for a recount of the ballots. I will be filing a request with the town office on Monday.
I am hopeful that ALL can understand my concerns over this matter and know that I’m not trying to stir the pot or poke the bear. I value myself as a man of my word, and didn’t want a sentiment of me going back on my word.
I filed a complaint with the town office and this person will be barred from participating as an election officer in future elections. I’m sorry this happened and again ask for your understanding in my request for a recount.

I wanted everyone to hear this from me first.

Respectfully,
Timothy Wood for RSU40 District School Board

06/12/2024

Good evening,
I need to take a moment and give you all a final update in regards to yesterday’s election. I have decided not to ask for a recount of votes in Unions election yesterday and wanted to explain my reason why and bring to close my unsuccessful bid for school board in this years election. If I call for a recount, which falls solely on me as the candidate, I feel it will detract from my chances in future elections as there would be a sentiment of election denial. I know the chances that the machine miscounted nine ballots, or that I would flip five to give me the majority are slim. Simply put, Rachel’s base showed up for her yesterday and made it happen. I appreciate everyone who showed up and supported me through this process. It has been both an eye opening and learning experience.
In regards to the ACAAA and the hot topic books, I did my best to cite state and federal law, Title 9, human rights, and the school policy stating that library books are to be curriculum based. I am neither transphobic or for the “banning” of books, as was both insinuated and stated outright. I sincerely mean that. I am hopeful the policy committee can rectify these topics, being mindful to the parents, who need to know what is going on, as well as the students. This district needs to figure this out and get back to educating and fixing the infrastructure.
I would also like to say that the pledge I made to engage, collaborate, and fundraise towards capital improvements was not an empty promise. If nothing else, I suppose I will have more time to take on that endeavor.
In closing, I tried my best and gave it all I could, but in hindsight I needed to try harder and do better. It’s not easy to beat a pediatrician, and on top of that, this was an emotionally charged election with the end result being reflective of that.
I am hopeful to be able to meet and talk with the voter base of the town and engage with all of you more, so that if I decide to try this again you can have trust in my ethics, respect, empathy, fortitude, and perhaps through that I can change your minds about who you think I am or what I represent.

Let us forge ahead not as two different sides, but as a community working towards a better and more engaging educational experience for our children.

Wishing ALL of you a wonderful summer

Respectfully
Timothy Wood for RSU40 District School Board

06/12/2024

Well the results came back to us this evening and I’m sorry to say that I lost the race for school board by nine votes. This should be a clear indication to people that every vote counts in local elections.
A recount has been requested, not to be petty, but with less than a 1 1/2% disparity it feels an appropriate thing to do.
I truly appreciate the support from the community. It has been a pleasure meeting with, talking to, and reacquainting with so many people in this great town.
I offer my congratulations to my opponent Rachel Wilcox on her victory today, and hope that despite the fact that we may disagree, we all need to be supportive of our schools and the board members chosen to represent us. The people have spoken.

Again I thank the voters of the town who turned out for me today. All the best to all of you.

Respectfully,
Timothy Wood

06/09/2024

MVHS ranks as number 13,242 out of 17,655 nationally and number 55 out of the 103 high schools listed as ranked in Maine. These numbers are based on state required testing, college preparedness, and a graduation rate that sits at slightly below the state median. 41% of the students are considered economically disadvantaged.

We are facing declining test scores, rising truency, crumbling infrastructure, and a harder time with teacher retention. Our fleet of buses in decline, coupled with a shortage of drivers/substitute drivers is also worrisome. Our district as a whole, its students, teachers, admin, and facilities have a lot of challenges ahead that need to be faced and dealt with accordingly.

Tuesday is Election Day for the residents of Union. Polls are from 8-8. I wish the best to all candidates running for all positions.

I am advocating for transparency.
I am advocating for fiscal accountability and budgetary discipline.
I am advocating for an engaging and robust curriculum to be delivered in quality buildings, with transportation to and from.

https://www.mainebiz.biz/article/maine-loses-ground-to-neighbors-in-us-news-annual-best-states-ranking

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/maine/districts/regional-school-district-40msad-40/medomak-valley-high-school-8911 #:~:text=Medomak%20Valley%20High%20School%20is%20ranked%2055%2D103rd%20within%20Maine.

05/26/2024

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. Let us not forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live free.

05/13/2024

Tune in or stop by. Should be a good night for the voters to learn where the candidates stand on a number of issues.

Send a message to learn more

05/12/2024

I was asked to purchase another round of signs. After placement and fulfilling who had already requested, I have eight left.

Please send me a message if you would like to have one of the eight. I’d be happy to deliver.

Happy Mother’s Day!

05/05/2024

I have been asked to clarify what I mean when I say I want kids to get a traditional education.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Maine ranked between first and second nationally in the 1990’s. We have plummeted to 36th nationally as of 2022.

Our public high schools are ranked last in the nation based on graduation rate, college readiness, and student performance in advanced classes as well as standardized tests.

What has changed in that time? The education has deviated from core or traditional education in math, reading, and comprehension. This does not benefit our students in their school careers or beyond in life.

Children are sent to public school to learn a curriculum that will benefit them long after they graduate. We should be setting a strong mental foundation with learned skills that are beneficial for life.

Respectfully,
Timothy Wood

05/04/2024

It was a busy week with work, baseball, and a school board meeting. Spent the evening last night cloning some of my mother’s cortland apple trees. First time trying it, so we shall see how it goes. We brushed out and burned a section of our field this spring to start our own orchard this year.
People are like trees in many ways. They need care and love, training and pruning to grow tall and proud and be successful. The children in this community are our future. Let us invest in them now so they too can grow tall, proud, and be successful.

“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”

Chinese Proverb

04/30/2024

Signs can go up on public spaces on Wednesday for the June 11 election.
I appreciate everyone that has liked and followed my candidacy page this past week.

I would ask everyone who’s willing, to share the page and invite your friends to follow, like, and share. This is a grassroots campaign, and together we can get this done.

Thanks again to you all
Tim

04/26/2024

As a native of Union with deep roots spanning eight generations in this community, I have been instilled with a profound sense of belonging and responsibility. My upbringing, shaped by a family actively engaged in organizations within Union and Knox county, instilled in me a strong commitment to this community.

Currently, I serve as a finish carpenter and hold the position of foreman/jobsite superintendent. This professional background in construction equips me with valuable insights into the infrastructure challenges and maintenance needs of our district's buildings. Moreover, it enables me to address issues promptly while also leveraging the diverse strengths of our community members. Each of us possesses unique talents that, when harnessed collectively, can enhance not only our schools and educational system but also the overall well-being of our community.

I am a proactive individual who prefers a hands-on approach, eager to contribute to the improvement of our district. Whether it's enhancing our facilities, refining our curriculum, or fostering a more positive atmosphere among the people who call this town home, I am dedicated to making meaningful strides toward progress.

I appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to the chance to serve RSU 40, Union Elementary, this town, and you.

Timothy Wood