School Committee Candidates: Emily A. Sheffield

At the November 3 election, Sanford and Springvale voters will elect two School Committee members to three-year terms. The three candidates are Paula T. Cote, Amy Turgeon Sevigny and incumbent Emily A. Sheffield. Kendra Williams is not seeking reelection.

Emily Sheffield has lived in Springvale for 13 years and is the mother of two young adults. She is the Executive Director of Nasson Community Center and Little Theatre.

She is running for a second term on the School Committee because there is more she wants to achieve, and ongoing projects she would like to see through. As a new member of the “empty nester club,” she has the right balance of time in her schedule. 

Ms. Sheffield believes being a good listener and communicator, as well as an independent thinker, are strengths she brings to the Committee. She added that her experience in finance and executing budgets is another qualification.

With regard to actions the School Department has taken to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak, she said “We are at the mercy of what this virus wants to do. That can be so tough. What we can be in charge of is how we support each other as a community during this time. If there is anything I would change or do differently, that is communication. We still fall short sometimes in that department. I’m always open to new ideas on how to better that.”

Her goals for her next term include having open discussions for parents and community members with the School Committee. She would also like to expand options for students who want to head into the trades as well as college.

Improving special education services is another priority for Ms. Sheffield. She added, “We are just not there with a budget that meets our true needs.” Using contracted services to save money is another financial aspect that she wants to look at more closely.