Cooper Reed has spent most of his life in Waldo County. Growing up here, he attended theAnderson School (now Waterfall Arts), then onto the Robertson School (now Sweetser), CASS,THMS, and BAHS.

Now, Cooper is a Swanville Dad with a second grader. Cooper has stepped up this year to run for Swanville’s one seat on the RSU 71 School Board. 

Cooper's background is in education policy work and youth suicide prevention, and works for one of the country’s largest civil rights organization.

Cooper opposes current School Board efforts to consolidate several district elementary schools.

None of the educators in our district are dispensable, with consolidation would come potential layoffs and local neighborhood school closings, like Nickerson. Students would have longer bus commutes, meaning our elementary students will lose out on much needed sleep. Teachers would have more students in their classrooms, so students wouldn’t receive as much one-on-one time with their teachers.

Cooper wants to pursue grant funding to create after-school programming opportunities for our elementary age students. After- school programs can help improve academic performance and social skills, provide opportunities to learn new things, and participate in more physical activity. It would also help parents and guardians who work or have other conflicts on weekdays at 3 p.m.,and it helps with issues like the often overly crowded school parking lot!

Cooper cares deeply about this community and will be a strong advocate for our public schools.

Swanville voters, please join me in voting Cooper Reed for RSU 71 School Board on Friday March 7.

Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the town office.

If you’d like to meet Cooper, Candidates Night at the town office is Wednesday March 5, at 6:30 p.m. You can also email him at cooper4rsu71@gmail.com

Jeff Smith