Meet the Candidates

Daniel Keeney is a 10-year resident of Kent Hill Road in Calais and the father of two students at Calais Elementary School. A graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy, Oberlin College, and the University of Vermont, Daniel utilizes his background in public policy and business in his professional role as a farm business planner in Hardwick.

Since joining the WCUUSD School Board in 2022, Daniel has served on the Finance, Education Quality, and Configuration committees. He believes that in this moment the Board needs to be fully committed to re-establishing stability for this school district, and particularly for its staff, who are the engine of our schools and who show up every day for students. He believes that to provide the staff with clarity, transparency and consistent direction is to show them the respect that they deserve.

His objectives include (1) supporting the work to align curricula across elementary schools to ensure a consistent and seamless transition to U-32, (2) expanding "community school" initiatives like after-school care and family support, and (3) fostering stronger cooperation between the district's member towns. Daniel’s work on the board is centered on the principle of equity, ensuring that policy and resource allocation benefit students across all district communities.

Cole Bliss is a lifelong resident of central Vermont with deep personal and professional ties to the Washington Central Unified Union School District. He grew up in the district and attended local schools, including Calais Elementary and U-32, providing him with firsthand experience in the communities and schools that serve local families. 

Cole currently works as a Dairy Focus Consultant (Nutritionist), supporting Vermont dairy farms through data-driven analysis, regulatory awareness, and long-term operational planning. His professional experience centers on evaluating complex information, ensuring compliance with state and industry standards, and working collaboratively with farm owners and stakeholders to make informed decisions. 

Cole is the parent of six children, with firsthand experience across multiple schools within the district. Through his role as a parent, he has developed a practical understanding of how district decisions affect students, families, and day-to-day school operations, including transportation, scheduling, and communication. 

His combined background as a district graduate, parent, and professional working closely with Vermont communities has shaped his understanding of public institutions and the importance of clear communication, responsible decision-making, and community involvement.

I have been teaching for over 50 years primarily in colleges, with 10 years in public school education locally at the high school level. I have both an MA and MLitt degree from Middlebury College in literature and writing.

Additionally, I have worked as a mentor and advisor for adult students, most recently for veterans pursuing a degree. I have been facilitating a veteran reading group for the past 8 years through the Vermont Humanities Council.

Along with my academic career I have worked as a local firefighter/ EMT, in the alternative energy field and in the woods doing sustainable forestry/TSI.

I have lived in Vermont for 52 years,  the district since 1984 and in Worcester for the past 12 years with my wife Susan, a former Copley Birth Center nurse now building a business in Worcester.  Both of my children went to Doty and graduated from U-32, Martin now at Notre Dame law school and Cora at Beta Technologies building their aircraft.

I have a strong commitment to economic justice, equity and the fundamental role of education in strong communities. I also believe as Thomas Jefferson did, that education is necessary for active and informed citizenship. I believe as John Dewey did, that good education centers on the student and should be designed to develope and expand their passion for learning.

Andrew grew up in St. Johnsbury and after many years away has recently returned home to Vermont and settled in Berlin. Having watched his mother and father devote their time and energy to school boards, zoning boards, historical societies and volunteering throughout his childhood Andrew has a deep understanding of the active local communities efforts that make Vermont such a special place. He has spent the majority of his professional career focused on environmental, climate and social justice issues. In his free time he likes to read, make music and take long walks with his dog Craig.

Andrew looks forward to acting as a voice for the broader communities  while serving on the school board and helping to ensure a strong educational foundation for the next generation of Vermonters.

Katie Marshall is a resident of Middlesex and the parent of two young children in the WCUUSD district. Her family moved to Middlesex and chose to build their life here because of the strength of Vermont’s public schools and the close-knit community that surrounds them. As a current parent navigating the district during a time of enrollment shifts and structural changes, Katie is committed to being a thoughtful, steady advocate for students, families, and educators.

Professionally, Katie has spent over a decade working in communications and community engagement roles, helping organizations bring people together around shared goals and make complex decisions more accessible to the public. She brings experience in listening, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative problem-solving skills she would hope to bring into school board service. Above all, Katie feels grateful to be raising her family in Middlesex and is committed to supporting the long-term strength and stability of WCUUSD schools for current and future families alike.

My name is Chris McVeigh of Middlesex, Vermont and I am running as a write-in candidate for the Middlesex representative on the Washington Central Unified Union School District. My family moved to Middlesex in 1992, where we raised three children, each of whom attended Rumney Memorial School and U 32. I've been involved in Rumney and district-related school activities for decades. I previously served on the Rumney board and then the supervisory union board and now the district board. 

I'm running to continue my service to the District. Our board has an oversight role of the educational opportunities for all of our students in this district. This is not a passive endeavor, but an active one. As a board member I view my role as a liaison between community members and the administration, trying to ensure that our community voices are heard and included in the district decision-making. This role involves balancing the ultimate goal of serving our students as best as financially possible while maintaining our residents' involvement in our deliberations and votes. 

I'd like to continue this work and would appreciate your vote. Please feel free to email me with any questions.