Phoenix McLaughlin Submitted photo

LEWISTON — Phoenix McLaughlin announced his candidacy for the Ward 1 seat on Lewiston’s School Committee on Wednesday.

McLaughlin is a member of the Lewiston Finance Committee.

“Every student in our community deserves an excellent education,” McLaughlin said. “Education got me to where I am today. I know how crucial it is for everyone at Lewiston Public Schools to have the chance to truly learn, no matter their background.”

McLaughlin is focused on creating a strong budget, reducing staff turnover, and ensuring every student has their needs met for a quality education.

“A strong community requires strong schools,” he said. “Strong schools require exceptional staff. Exceptional staff require steady investment and a supportive culture.”

“The School Committee is responsible for an organization with hundreds of staff and a one hundred million dollar budget, and I will bring my financial and policy knowledge to the committee to help Lewiston Public Schools succeed in the long term,” he added. “Educating Lewiston’s five thousand students is an investment that pays off for decades to come – something that we cannot lose sight of in the annual budget cycle.”

In addition to being on the Lewiston Finance Committee, McLaughlin works for the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development on legislation and business programs. He lives on Brooks Avenue with his fiancée, Abbe, and dog, Indy.

The Ward 1 School Committee seat is held by Bruce Damon.