EMERSON—Three candidates, including incumbent Amy Mara, are seeking two open seats on the Emerson Board of Education in the Nov. 4 election. Challengers Emily M. Fernandez-Justo and Shannon Lucas round out the field. Trustee Keith Smith is not running for re-election.
The Emerson Public School District serves just over 1,200 students across its three campuses: Memorial Elementary School, Patrick M. Villano Elementary School, and Emerson Junior‐Senior High School. The board has five members serving staggered three-year terms. Officials estimate school costs account for roughly 60% or more of local property tax bills, with municipal and county taxes comprising the rest.
In recent years, public debate around local boards of education has centered on state-mandated health and sex education curriculum, parental notification policies, and discussions of sensitive social issues — all of which have at times divided communities.
Candidate snapshots, left to right
- Amy Mara — 10-year resident; married; finishing first term; certified EMT for 18 years.
- Emily Fernandez-Justo — Eight-year resident; married; operations director at a wealth management firm; volunteer in nursing homes, CCD classes, and the PTA.
- Shannon Lucas — Lifelong resident; married with three children; Girl Scout troop leader; social worker on a Child Study Team; coached soccer and Little League.
Campaign platforms
Mara, the board’s vice president, lists fiscal responsibility and stability, informed advocacy, and effective communication as top goals. She said she’ll work to ensure financial stability amid “tough fiscal waters ahead” and to maintain open communication with residents about district successes and challenges.
Fernandez-Justo said her platform emphasizes fiscal responsibility, parental rights, and student retention. She said she would advocate for “parent-inclusive decision-making where possible,” proposing a Parent Advisory Council that would meet quarterly with the board. She also proposed a Retention Task Force of parents, educators, and administrators to address enrollment decline, and a long-range spending roadmap to give taxpayers greater transparency.
Lucas identified her top priorities as increasing student achievement, retaining high-quality staff, ensuring safety and emotional well-being, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and strengthening community engagement.
“I firmly believe local school board campaigns shouldn’t resemble highly politicized bipartisan elections,” Lucas said. “No monetary donations from any political parties or groups will be accepted. Simply put, I am running on no agenda.” Her campaign slogan is “Learning. Leading. Listening.”
Top issues
Mara cited three main challenges: fiscal pressures related to funding and benefits; sustaining student achievement through strong academic and technical offerings; and retaining students and teachers in a competitive environment.
Fernandez-Justo pointed to declining enrollment, school funding and budgeting, and parents’ calls for greater transparency. She said boards must be “savvy enough to navigate shifting state and federal guidelines while keeping parents informed and empowered.”
Lucas said the district’s key concerns are funding, school climate and culture, and retaining high-quality teachers and staff.
Learn more
Mara shares campaign updates on Instagram, @reelectamymaraforboe, and on Facebook at Re-Elect Amy Mara for Emerson Board of Education.
Fernandez-Justo can be found on Instagram at @EmilyForBOE, or via EmilyForEmersonBOE@gmail.com.
Lucas’ campaign can be followed on Facebook at Shannon Lucas for Emerson Board of Education and on Instagram, @lucasforemersonboe.