LYNDEBOROUGH – In 2002, when Geoffrey Brock was appointed to the school board, the Central School had a perennially leaking roof, and mold in a basement room.

“Fire Chief Rick McQuade said the school was non-compliant,” Brock said recently, recalling the 16 years he spent as a member of the school board. Last year he decided not to run for a sixth term. “We took care of all those problems one piece at a time.”

That included removing asbestos tiles that had been covered by carpeting, replacing old fans and adding much needed electrical outlets, and redoing the halls to remove outdated coat racks.

Then there was radon and mold mitigation.

He now sees the Central School as “flexible,” one able to shrink or expand with changing populations. The population is low right now, he said, “but that goes in cycles. It will go up again.”

LCS now houses kindergarten, pre-kindergarten, and the Supervisory Union offices. “If needed, the first grade could come here with no problem,” he said, a move that would free two classrooms at Florence Rideout Elementary School in Wilton.

“We spent a lot of time on the buildings. We did a good job hiring people, and now qwe have a nice facility.”

Brock served on the Lyndeborough School Board until it was combined with Wilton and then on the Cooperative Board, serving several years as chairman.

Brock listed the major changes he served through including the breakup of the SAU when the Mascenic District decided to form their own SAU; moving from no kindergarten to full day; changing from a teaching principal to full time; and the many advances in technology.

“We went from computer labs to computers for everyone,” he said, “in every classroom.” Standardized testing has changed, “and now tests follow the student” to see personal growth.

But, it was a good tenure, he said.

“I’, very impressed by the motivation of the volunteers I’ve come in contact with. “People are trying to do good things, even those I’ve disagreed with. They are doing what they think is right.

He added, “Schools are one of the most important civic responsibilities. Every kid deserves a chance, an opportunity. New Hampshire does a good job with public education. Wilton and Lyndeborough always have and I hope it continues.”

He had concerns about state-wide testing, “teaching to the test,” and thought perhaps it should be changed.

“One big advantage at WLC is it isn’t measured in testing – it’s a community, a family,” and doesn’t have all the “big city problems.”

If the students, and their families, are motivated, “if they want the programs, they’re there.”

Brock said he was happy with the results and to take a break. Since 1995, he had been a pilot for Delta Airlines and is currently flying eastern United State routes.

“retirement gives me a little more flexibility, able to try different routes and planes. It will be nice to not be boxed into meetings, two Tuesdays a month.” But, he said, “I think you owe it to society to volunteer some time and I’ve learned a lot.”