WINDHAM – On Dec. 19, the Windham Town Council appointed Pete Heanssler, a portfolio management officer at Bank of America, to the Windham-Raymond Regional School Unit 14 School Board.
Heanssler will replace Toby Pennels, an 11-year veteran of the board who stepped down this fall after moving to Casco.
According to state statute, it is the responsibility of the Windham council to fill the vacancy if a Windham board member resigns.
Heanssler lost to Jennifer Fleck and Eric Colby in the November election.
In an email to Windham Town Manager Tony Plante, RSU 14 Superintendent Sandy Prince wrote that the School Board favored Heanssler’s appointment.
“The School Board had a brief discussion the other night about the replacement of Toby Pennels,” Prince wrote. “They fully understand that it is the Town Council’s responsibility to move ahead with a process to fill this vacancy. In doing so … they wanted you and the council to know that the gentleman who did not get elected (Pete Heanssler) could be considered to serve on the school committee. It was a general consensus that perhaps he could be considered.”
Heanssler has three children in the school system. In an October interview with the Lakes Region Weekly, Heanssler said that he hoped to seek out impartial information on standards-based learning, ensure that the RSU focuses on consolidating costs (but not at the expense of redistricting students) and raise awareness about incidents of bullying.
The council chose Heanssler over Mary Wassick, who previously served on the board, after a debate on the vetting process, or the lack thereof.
Although Tommy Gleason, the council chairman, and Donna Chapman said that they trusted the board’s recommendation, Matt Noel argued that he did not have enough information to make an informed decision.
“I don’t see any indication that they vetted anything,” Noel said. “I see an email that says there was a general consensus, but it doesn’t say that they had a number of candidates, [that] they looked beyond the one candidate. I don’t have a good comfort zone that they’ve gone through any formal process or that we’re going through any formal process.
“As a voter, I’m poorly informed to make this decision and therefore I can’t,” Noel said.
“I agree we’re poorly informed,” Chapman said.
But after Heanssler took to the podium to argue in favor of his appointment (Wassick did not attend the meeting), the discussion quickly wrapped up. The council voted 6-0-1, with Noel abstaining, in favor of Heanssler’s appointment.
Heanssler said he plans to run for re-election in November, when the term expires.
“I’m excited to get started,” Heanssler said. “I’m looking to get back out there for re-election.”
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