BY SUSAN WARE

Bill Zarges hopes that when he resigns from the Candia School Board on July 1, he is remembered for always trying to do what was right for students.

“I’m sure there’s a few that will say good riddance. But I think most people would say that I thought first about what is best for the kids,” said Zarges.

Zarges announced his resignation from the school board after 10 years because he and his wife, Clair, are moving to New Mexico for a job opportunity.

School board Chairman Karen Smith said Zarges will be missed.

“The thing that I’ve come to admire most about Bill is his ability to advocate for the education of Candia’s children.

Each decision he makes as a member of the board is guided by his consideration of how it will affect our kids’
education,” said Smith.

Zarges served on the School Board in a variety of roles from 1993-96 and then again from 2000-07, including tenure as chairman. While on the committee, he served as the board representative for teacher contract negotiations, facilities subcommittee and the new Auburn-Candia middle school subcommittee.

“I tried to build consensus on issues. I tried to see all sides of an issue, and I left my personal agendas at the door,” said Zarges.

Smith said Zarges was more than just a member of the board who attended meetings, because he took an active role in the school community by attending sporting events, school plays and concerts, technology fairs and spaghetti suppers to show support.

Every year, Zarges participated in “Read Across America” day, which celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday and the joy of reading, said Smith.

Zarges said he has many fond memories, and some of his fondest are teacher retirement parties.

“I tried to attend every single retirement party. The school board and teachers both work towards the same goal – the best education possible for the kids. There shouldn’t be a confrontational tension between the two but rather a co-operative spirit,” he said.

Zarges first ran for the School Board 14 years ago because he felt issues weren’t being dealt with. He stuck with it, despite the weekly demand on his time, because he felt it was important to the community.

“Besides educating our children, the schools are typically the largest single employer in a community and the largest portion of our property tax bill, and many decisions the board makes directly affect property taxes,” said Zarges.

He said he has never really been opposed in a race for a seat on the School Board, and he finds it disappointing that residents don’t volunteer.

“The students of Candia are the first priority of the board, not the taxpayers, not the Budget Committee, not the selectmen. As long as the board keeps the kids as their focus, they will fulfill their purpose,” said Zarges.

As Zarges gets ready to depart, the School Board is searching for a replacement.

Zarges is leaving feeling optimistic about future plans for the students of Candia.

“I hope the board always remembers to consider the effects of policy and budget by their impact on the education of the children. And I really hope we can get the Auburn/Candia middle school done. It’s such a great opportunity to benefit the children of both communities,” said Zarges.