2026 ORCSD School Board Candidates Forum Summary

Election Day is this Tuesday, March 10.  I watched the candidates' forum; it took me a few times to stay awake to the end.  Here's the link:  

Let's start with the bios of the candidates, which I've summarized from their initial introduction.  I'll follow this with a summary of the candidates positions.  I'll try to keep it unbiased until the end when I'll tell you who I'm voting for; feel free to skip that part.

William Howard

30 year residence of Durham, 1996.  3 children attended ORCSD K-8.  Two boys played football at St Thomas Aquinas.  Retired professional engineer, worked for US government and waste management. Supporter of STEM education. US needs to train the next generation of engineers.

Giana Gelsey (facebook)

From Madbury. School board member the last three years.  Children at the middle school & high school.  Works in Biological and Geological Sciences. In the district 10 years,  ORPP, LRPC, Moharimet PTO chair, Madbury Resource Board. Community Organizing, COVID school board forums.  Students first, public education advocate, Strategic planning committee, Sustainability Committee, Wellness Committee.  New Hampshire Schoolboard Association delegate for three years.  Clear and honest.  Looks forward to a second term on the school board.

Elizabeth Copley

Raised in Wilton CT. Wilton HS. Marketing at Franklin Pierce.  In Lee for 24 years, loves it.  Lots of experience working with Board of Education, father was a member, fundraised, built a stadium.  Parents live in Kittery, got on the board of ed there.  Kids first.  Taught Skiing in VT 16-20 and NH. Only taught kids, every weekend, every season. Interested in tracking school expenditures, assuring the budget money is used in the most cost effective way, maintaining the high standard of quality education.  "Wilton HS was highest accredited school in New England, Oyster River can be the same."

Colin Black-Butler (facebook)

Resident of NH since 2010, from upstate NY.   Met his wife Rebecca; moved to Oyster River in 2020.  Rebecca is a speech pathologist; two kids in OR schools.  20 years in IT, Cybersecurity and Data Analytics. Solution architect of Minecast (?).  Work involves making complex systems more efficient, secure accessible and transparent for the users.  Analyzing AI systems; "I believe understanding these tools is vital for how we prepare students."

Late addition: Denise Day

School board member for 12 years, including a stint as chair.  From her facebook post:

Hello, after encouragement from many people, I am moving forward with a write-in campaign for a seat on the Oyster River School Board. Our district is facing many challenges, and I believe that my 12 years of experience on the Board will be helpful in addressing these issues. I ask for your vote on March 10.