WSCW March Meeting

On Wednesday, March 1, WSCW member Margaret Crisler organized a wonderful presentation by Town Officials. The members found it very informative prior to the local Election. Cynthia Finn, School Board Chairperson, emphasized the need to approve the paraprofessional contract as Windham’s salaries are below the local average. Thus the school district is not able to attract as many paraprofessionals as is needed.

Town Administrator, Brian McCarthy, has held his position for almost a year and he outlined some of his priorities this year. The IT needs of the town are great and he is working with Rockport Technology of Salem, NH to remediate them.

Police Chief, Michael Caron, has also been in his position for about a year; although he has been with the Windham Police Department for many years. He spoke of the Department’s work with the schools and the increasing frequency of mental health crises calls. All of the Department is being trained to better deal with mental health issues. Chief Caron also spoke of the need to purchase body cams. At present, they have no body cams.

Both Brian McCarthy and Chief Caron emphasized that salaries for all our first responders are below the local average, which makes it difficult to attract qualified applicants. That can be remedied with the passage of the warrant articles.

Pictured: Chief Michael Caron, Town Administrator Brian McCarthy, WSCW member Margaret Crisler and School Board Chairperson, Cynthia Finn