Madison Cook, of Belfast, has announced her run as a write-in candidate for a seat on the Regional School Unit 71 School Board.  RSU 71 comprises Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Searsmont and Swanville K-8 public schools.

Cook, 28, grew up in Belfast, attending Waldo County schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade. 

She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tulane University in Louisiana. She then joined the faculty at Virginia Tech where she taught design in rural Appalachia, and served in several administrative and leadership roles, including on a high profile international search committee for a new school director. She has since returned home and settled back into her coastal community.

Cook has received support for her campaign from local leaders including Belfast’s Mayor Eric Sanders.

Sanders, who has known Madison since she was a teenager, said in a news release: “I think it’s great that Madison Cook is running for school board! She’s an incredibly hard working young woman. She understands this moment of rapid economic, environmental, and technological change. She’ll bring a balanced and fresh perspective to school board conversations.”

Chrissy Fowler, community dance leader and parent of a student in RSU 71, said: “Madison Cook is just the right person to serve on our school board. With a genuine commitment to inclusivity, thoughtfulness, and grace under pressure, she will be a valuable leader. Her service will be good for our schools and for the community as a whole!”

State Representative Jan Dodge for House District 39, including Belfast, Belmont and Northport, is a fourth generation teacher who was educated in Belfast. She said “It is exciting to see Madison Cook's willingness to step up to school board service! She’s known by many in the community as a reasonable, smart, friendly young person. I’m sure she’ll inspire other young people to take up leadership roles.”

Madison Cook said: “I envision schools that spark imagination, embrace play, and prepare students for the future. I was fortunate to benefit from strong arts programs, horticulture classes, and technical education in high school. I want to ensure that all students in the district have access to a robust academic program as well as opportunities for meaningful career exploration. Both are essential to building the skills and confidence they will need to thrive beyond graduation.”

The Belfast sample ballot instructs voters who want to elect a write-in candidate to fill in the oval to the left of the write-in space and write in the candidate's name.  

In Belfast, a voter may cast their absentee ballot at City Hall Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Thursday October 30 at 7:30 p.m. Special Circumstances absentee balloting will apply on Friday October 31 and Monday November 1. 

Election Day voting will be on Tuesday November 4,and all Belfast wards will vote at Tarratine Hall located at 153 Main Street, Belfast ME between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.