They may not still be in the classroom, but School Board members are among Bow residents who are constantly learning.

“The mission statement of the school is that we’re a community of lifelong learners,” said School Board Chairman Deb McCann. “I think that holds true for the adults in town as well.”

McCann is in her fifth year with the School Board, and her first year as chairman. Warren Fargo said the board takes pride in its ability to work closely together, even when in disagreement.

“The thing that I like is in our district we have a good board, and a board who thinks through each issue very clearly,” said Fargo. “It’s not a knee-jerk reaction board. It knows what it’s doing, and because of that there’s a nice calmness in the district and we’re able to put our time to the important things.”

Stephen Elgert agreed with Fargo’s description of the kind of discussions the board has. “We have vigorous discussions and listen to each other’s points of view, and have a single voice. That’s helped,” said Elgert.

“We haven’t had people going off on the board saying they disagree, which has been a big and powerful statement to the community.”

Elgert said if anything, the board has sometimes been criticized for have so many unanimous votes.

Fargo was appointed in 2002 when a board member vacated the seat, and is now in his second elected term. He brings a different dimension to the board, as he has in the past served as a superintendent of schools.

“I think having that experience has helped a lot,” said Fargo. “I can read between the lines on some things and it can make it a little easier for me.”

Pansy Bloomfield has been volunteering with the school since her oldest son, now 29, was in first grade. Eight years ago, she said the only logical next step for her was to run for the board.

“I think it’s rewarding anytime you’re involved with children,” Bloomfield said. “When you have a direct hands-on interaction with kids, you have an immediate gratification. On the board, sometimes it takes a while because when you make policy changes it can take a few years. It’s a different kind of rewarding.”

Also involved with the School Board is Superintendent of Schools Dean Cascadden, who’s in his second year with the district. His job is to make sure the group stays focused.

“I would say my biggest thing is making sure the board stays on their level of decision-making, which is policy and general ways that we run things,” said Cascadden. “It’s easier to get into the nitty-gritty of how we should do things, but that’s not what we should be doing. We should be looking at the larger questions.”

Several board members said the most difficult aspect of their roles can be dealing with the financial aspects of the district.

“Unfortunately, right now, we’re into a downturn into the economy,” said Elgert. “That’s limiting new programs we can come up with.”

Fargo also said it can be difficult finding a financial balance.

“We have to look at our responsibility towards education of the kids, and also keep in mind the taxpayer,” said Fargo. “It gets harder and harder each time, and this year will be especially difficult.”

McCann said for her, the most difficult aspect is getting feedback that the board is not as up front as it could be, something she said members are trying to fix by holding events like the meet and greet that took place on Thursday, Oct. 23.

“I really enjoy the interaction with the community and the staff,” said McCann. “ I don’t see myself as a politician. I see it as a service to my community. Not everyone is going to be happy with decisions that are made, and sometimes I think maybe my skin isn’t thick enough. We’re not trying to increase taxes, we’re trying to offer our children the best that we can.”