To the editor:

I am a town of St. Armand board member and an adjunct faculty member of North Country Community College. I have lived in Bloomingdale for 20 years.

I am writing this letter in support of Saranac Lake Central School District Board of Education candidates Jackie Niederbuhl, Rebecca Law and Patrick Dupree.

I feel these three candidates will serve our community members thoughtfully and fiscally. With our current budgetary and population challenges, it is critical that we elect school board candidates that will represent all members of our communities as well as our current and future students.

I know that we are faced with housing challenges and enticing new families to our area is a top priority for all towns in Essex County. We are currently working on increasing housing stock, and Essex County has a new land bank to help with this. We need to think about what our communities will look like in 10 years, not just today. Jackie, Rebecca and Patrick will do just that. They all have children that are or will be attending school in the Saranac Lake Central School District.

I know they also support BOCES classes, sports, music and art. They are focused on ensuring the students are provided with a wide range of academic and social opportunities. I am sure Jackie, Rebecca and Patrick will be diligent members of the Saranac Lake Central school board. They have my vote and I encourage everyone to vote for them.

Thank you.

Donna Whitelaw

Bloomingdale