GREG COCHRAN
School Board Candidate
Exeter
Who can vote for Greg?
All voters in Exeter who want a fresh perspective, new voice and a pathway for change!
GREG COCHRAN
Tell us about yourself.
I am relatively new to the SAU16 district. I grew up in Arizona and I moved to Exeter in May 2020 with my wife, Rachel, three children - Michael (9), Grayson (8), and Norah (5).
I attended Arizona State University, where I received my BA in Business and Communication. I currently work in sales training for a biotechnology firm, and my position relocated to the East Coast. We researched towns in New Hampshire and Massachusetts before moving, as we had the opportunity to move within commuting distance to the Boston area. My wife and I chose Exeter because of the public schools, based on their reputation. We love Exeter and the friends and connections our family have made here.
Why are you running for school board?
My Mom has been a principal for 30 plus years and she is an inspiration for me, along with my sister in law, Aunt & Uncle who are all teachers. I have seen first hand how important it is to connect with students and their teachers, while serving the community.
I am proud to have all three of my children attending Main Street and Lincoln Street Schools for the 2022-2023 school year. I want to be involved and help support them and their peers' learning. I feel that getting elected to the school board will allow me to use my critical thinking skills to improve our schools. My wife & I wanted to become more connected to the community that we have come to love and the school board opportunity allows for me to to do that. I have observed the decline of student achievement, and I want to be part of the solution in collaboration with the teachers & current board members.
How have you prepared for this role?
I believe that having children that are attending the schools that a board member represents is one of the most important qualities a candidate can posses. Previously, I had supported the PTO & other groups within the Arizona elementary schools my kids attended before moving to Exeter. In my short time in the Exeter community, I have taken an active role in our schools by attending board meetings, speaking to parents of students and others in the community to gather information.
What are two key areas you feel the school board should improve?
1. Allocating the budget to target gaps in education that were widened during the continued pandemic.
2. Addressing the reasons behind the significant percentage of students leaving the schools - declining school rankings, lack of in-person learning for 2020-2021 and budget misses.
Should you win the election, what are your long term goals?
Overall improvement of the education and student experience. Partnering with teachers, educators and the administration is critical for continued goal achievement and future success.
How are you going to accomplish your goals in year one?
By listening to the needs of teachers, students, parents and the community. Thoughtful two-way communication with transparency regarding key policies and issues needs to occur.
If we asked someone who was not a fan of yours why you are not the right person to vote for what would they say?
Honestly being new to town hopefully limits the number of people who may not be a fan of mine. People may say that I lack the experience of serving on a school board before. I think this is an advantage, as I have no preconceived notions or agendas to serve. I truly want to work together with others on the board to improve our schools for our students, teachers and community. I hope that you will vote for me on March 8th. I will bring a fresh perspective.
Learn more
https://www.facebook.com/groups/618384659433909/