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District 6 finalists include veterans, PTA leaders and a mental‑health clinician; trustees cite listening skills
Summary
Three District 6 finalists presented distinct strengths — community safety work, PTA leadership, and clinical mental‑health experience — and several trustees said they favored a candidate who brings listening skills and mental‑health expertise to board deliberations.
District 6 candidates included Scott Brown (parent, small‑business owner and bond committee member), Handy (retired military, PTA leader and real‑estate investor), and Dr. Matthew Ressa (retired Navy commander and board‑certified psychiatric mental‑health practitioner). Each outlined priorities such as student safety, fiscal stewardship and supports for teachers.
Trustees praised Brown’s bond and facilities familiarity and Handy’s nonprofit and PTA involvement; multiple trustees said Ressa’s mental‑health background and patient listening style stood out. Trustee Osterlund and others said they wanted a trustee who could help shape proactive mental‑health initiatives given recent student‑wellness incidents and district‑wide concerns.
The board deliberated in open session and appointed Dr. Ressa; trustees said the appointment aims to add expertise that could affect student supports and long‑term planning for services and staff training.
