
Mariah Roy - Board of Education

My name is Mariah Roy and I am honored to be running for re-election to the Board of Education in Durham. My journey in RSD13 began in 2017 when my family and I relocated from Middletown to Durham. With the help of our Birth to Three team we narrowed down a list of school districts best suited for our family as we began our navigation into the world of special education. My husband and I were immediately drawn to Durham because of the exceptional reputation of RSD13 schools. Additionally, my husband was thrilled to move back to Durham having graduated from Coginchaug Regional High School in 2005. Since moving here, I have become deeply invested in our community and its educational institutions. Today, I am proud to serve on the Board of Education, a position I was elected to in May 2022 by way of town meeting. This opportunity has allowed me to step into a vital role where I can actively contribute to shaping the future of our schools.
As a parent of three children in our district aged 8, 6 and 5 - I have a personal stake in ensuring the best possible education for every student in our community. My experiences as a mother have fueled my commitment to selfless service and a focus on the greater good. I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of students, families, and educators in our district, and I believe that every child deserves an excellent education tailored to their unique needs and aspirations.
My passion for student centered opportunities led me to participate in and complete the National Learning Lab Orientation through Education Reimagined. This multi-week orientation served as an entryway into a national learning community of dedicated leaders working to transform education into a more student-centered experience for every child. Such involvement with the Education Reimagined Learning Lab Community has provided me the privilege to delve into the student-centered worldview and explore the essential elements of student-centered education alongside educational leaders. All of this allowed me to gain remarkable insight on how our collective efforts can more inclusively and equitably support young people in their educational journey. I am so thankful for the Education Reimagined community and the established connections with fellow leaders who share a deep enthusiasm for advancing student-centered education.
One of my core passions and areas of advocacy is special education. As a co-founder of the RSD13 Special Education PTO, I remain deeply committed to empowering and supporting families and students navigating the world of special needs within our district and beyond. I understand the challenges and the joys that come with special education, and I am dedicated to making sure every child receives the resources and support they require to thrive academically and personally.
In my professional life, I have a background in healthcare. I hold dual bachelor’s degrees, one in biology one in nursing with a certification in emergency nursing through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. I spent seven years as an emergency department registered nurse, where I honed my skills in swift clinical decision-making, effective verbal communication, and managing multiple priorities under high-pressure circumstances. Currently, I work as a Nursing Administrative Supervisor at our local community hospital, Middlesex Health. In this role, I am responsible for facilitating the continuous throughput of patients and ensuring ongoing collaboration with administrators and clinical management. These responsibilities have further developed my abilities in effective leadership and teamwork. In addition to my professional work, I am an active member of Middlesex Health's DRIVE (Diversity, Respect, Inclusion, Value, Equity) Change Action Committee. I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accepting environment within the Middlesex Health organization and the wider community. It is my belief that diversity and equity are essential values that should be promoted in every aspect of our lives, including our education system.
I understand that not every decision made by elected officials will please all parties. However, it's essential that we strive for a common ground where we can move forward together, putting an end to the growing opposition and harmful divide in our community. It's time to set aside political beliefs and focus on the well-being and education of our students. We need to move forward together while prioritizing transparency, open communication and approachability in our decision-making processes. Let’s Bring Durham Together to foster an environment committed to collaboration, respect, well-being, empathy, and educational excellence.
I would greatly appreciate your vote to continue to serve on the RSD13 Board of Education. Friends, family and neighbors - please come out and exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, November 7th! Vote for what you believe will make our community unified - vote your conscience - vote what makes sense to you - but whatever you do, please come out and vote. I hope to see you at the polls! 😊