There is a three-way race for the empty Jaffrey School Board seat this March.

Bonnie Mitchell, Eva Torontali and Christine Pressman have all filed to vie for the seat left vacant by outgoing board member Laurel McKenzie.

Mitchell said while this is her first attempt at a School Board run, her other municipal and state governing experience would be an asset she’d bring to the table. Mitchell is a former member of the Jaffrey Select Board, Supervisor of the checklist, and a three-term member of the state House of Representatives.

“It’s an interesting time in our town’s history,” Mitchell said. “Since there’s been so much upheaval, I think it’s a good time to review everything.”

Mitchell said she supported the School District’s approach to COVID-19, and would support a full school week, as opposed to the current system which includes a remote learning day mid-week.

“Overall, I think kids should be back in school, and using the usual methods of masking, distancing, and vaccinations when they’re available,” Mitchell said. “I would encourage going back five days a week. It’s wonderful what they’ve been able to utilize with remote learning, and it’s good that it’s there if they need it, but it’s not the same.”

Mitchell said now may be the time to have conversations about the overall structure of public education, even as far as the nature of the summer vacation model, which she said is outdated from its origins in farm culture.

Christine Pressman, who has a child in Jaffrey Grade School, one in the Jaffrey-Rindge Middle School and one in Conant High School, said she has experience as a small business owner running her own farm, as well as administering farm education programs at several nonprofits.

She said she, too, supported the district’s approach to COVID-19. Two of her children are remote learning, and her youngest attending in person, she said.

“I have seen our teachers adapt and change and find beautiful ways of keeping our children and themselves safe,” Pressman said. “I think our schools have done a wonderful job, though I know there are people who have struggled with accessibility.”

Pressman said she’d like to see some of the modes adapted for COVID-19, such as outdoor learning, are plusses that the district should carry on, and others, such as remote learning during snow days, should be retired when COVID-19 restrictions end.

Pressman said she’d be learning on the job, but has a high interest in expanding or strengthening vocational programs, and ensuring climate science is being taught in schools.

“Personally, I would just love to hear what people have to say,” Pressman said. “I want to hear what other parents think.”

Robert Schaumann has filed for the position of School District Moderator.

There is currently no one signed up for the open Rindge seat on the School Board, currently held by Heidi Graff, leaving it to a write-in vote.

The Jaffrey town elections do not have any contested races this year.

Kevin Chamberlain, current seated Select Board member, is running unopposed for re-election.

Emily Carr has filed for the single one-year term for Library Trustee, and Grace Flesher and Jamie Hutchinson have filed for the two three-year seats.

Bruce Edwards has filed for the three-year Trustee of the Trust Funds seat. Eunice Jadlocki has filed for the six-year supervisor of the checklist seat.

Voting for Jaffrey officers, as well as all school questions and Jaffrey Zoning Amendments is scheduled for Tuesday, March 9.