MEG BATEMAN
Budget Advisory Candidate
Exeter
Who can vote for Meg?
Voters in all six towns: Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields and Stratham who want a fresh perspective, new voice and a pathway to change.
MEG BATEMAN
Tell us about yourself.
I’ve lived here 10 years and have two sons 15 and 13 (9th and 7th grade). I went to Boston College (BA) and St. John’s Law (JD) been practicing law for 20 years as a corporate attorney And I’m currently the VP of legal for a renewable energy company funded by Blackstone that builds hybrid and stand alone battery storage projects across the country. I was on the board of Great Bay Kids company and the treasurer of the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, on the board of the Exeter Seahawks youth football program and I’m currently on the EHS Football boosters
Why are you running for budget advisory committee?
I have been interested in running for School Board since we moved here 10 years ago, but after attending all of the school board meetings and many of the recent budget meetings, I determined that the budget advisory committee is the place where decisions are made before they even get to the school board, so I wanted to get involved here. I appreciate all of the hard work that has been done by those currently on the board, but I think we need fresh perspectives on the school budget in these unique times.
The School District Budget is always heavily discussed and debated. What changes are necessary to the budget and the budget process if any?
I'm not sure if this question means changes to the way the BAC views the budget, the school board or the public, but I think that more information being distributed out to the public would help people understand how and at what point they need to get their voice heard to make changes. The deliberative session is late in the process, yet I think most people don't know that they can be involved earlier in the process by attending meetings and emailing their school board representatives.
If elected, how will you ensure accountability and transparency in the budgeting process?
I will diligently review the reports when made available at the end of the year and check them against the approved budget and question when items don't line up or don't make sense.
What particular experiences or skills do you have that makes you the most qualified candidate?
I have developed critical thinking and negotiation skills over my 20 year career as a lawyer. I am not afraid to ask hard questions, but will work collaboratively with the rest of the committee members to review the budget proposals and determine the best recommendations to the School Board. I have experience with financial statements from my work as a corporate finance attorney and as the treasurer of the Children's Museum of New Hampshire and I want to be involved with making sure that the district allocates and spends the taxpayer money on areas that will benefit students and that will give them the best education possible. I am committed to helping this SAU be the best in in the state!
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