Three newcomers aim for ACSD seats

The Independent sent four education-related questions to each of the three, first-time candidates competing next week in a five-person race for three Middlebury seats on the Addison Central School District board: Vance Bishop, Ron Makleff and Jess Venable-Novak.

Here’s what to expect at each of the county’s town meetings in the coming week.

As Town Meeting gets underway as early as this weekend in some Addison County towns, and next Monday and Tuesday for others, most residents will face much lower school taxes than the prior year, and modest increases in their town budgets. The sticker shoc … (read more)

This Town Meeting, Middlebury residents will decide their largest bond vote ever: a $49.5 million makeover of its 25-year-old sewer plant. Built in 2000, the 20-year projected lifespan of the plant is five years past that due date and will be forced to ho … (read more)

I am writing to voice my support for Jess Venable-Novak and Ron Makleff for ACSD School Board.

I would like to strongly endorse Steve Orzech of Middlebury for the ACSD Board.

When it comes to the Town Meeting Day elections for the Addison Central School District board, experience counts. That is why I will cast one of my votes for Steve Orzech of Middlebury.

Our school district — and all those around the state — face a lot of challenges. Serving on the school board is an important and demanding job. ACSD school board candidates Jess Venable-Novak and Ron Makleff are rising to the occasion.

We were deeply dismayed to learn about the Vergennes City Council’s decision to include Article 7 on the upcoming March 4 ballot. Like Mayor Chris Bearor, Deputy Mayor Dickie Austin, and many state representatives, we believe that the City of Vergennes sh … (read more)

I bring to your attention the names of candidates who I believe will serve us admirably: Jess Venable-Novak and Ron Makleff. These candidates offer a fresh perspective, dedication and a commitment to collaborate with the other School Board members in meet … (read more)

I first met Jess when our kids were babies at a Music Together class in Middlebury and since that day, I have seen Jess show up with an open mind, open heart and generous spirit in every subsequent context.

I am supporting Jess Venable-Novak and Ron Makleff for ACSD School Board. I encourage you to join me. At this challenging time for our schools and communities, we need new voices and creative thinkers to advocate for our students and make sure they all fe … (read more)

I am writing this letter to do something I never thought I would be doing… encouraging people to vote no on a school budget. As a school board member on a number of school boards (Mary Hogan, UD#3, and the new ACSD) for over 20 years, this isn’t something … (read more)

We urge all voters in the Addison Central School District to vote for Jess Venable-Novak and Ron Makleff as new school board members from Middlebury.

I am a Cornwall School parent of two, and I support Ron Makleff and Jess Venable-Novak for seats on the Addison Central School District board in the upcoming election on March 4.