Bringing a wealth of experience to the school board, Rick Wood said he decided to get involved because of the amount “dust up” that has seen in the last year.

“I’ve been involved in the schools in Milford for a long time,” he said. “My first stint was on the budget committee in 2000-2001 and both of my kids went through the Milford schools.”

Wood said that when he appointed to the school board back in August, he had not considered running again.

“I felt like I had the experience to be able to jump in and understand the process,” he said. “I have a very clear understanding of the budget and I have a pretty strong understanding of the needs. I had only been out two years as far as being part of the budget committee and understanding every nickel and dime.”

A big reason that he wants to rejoin the board as a member is because he “wants to see the district continue to work.”

“I really believe in the strategic plan and the direction we’re headed,” said Wood. “I think that the administrative team for the first time, since I’ve been involved in the schools, is operating as a team. I see that as a huge value.”

With some lingering problems with board meetings, from the school board itself to the public podium (although things have been more serene as of late), things still need to change. And Wood knows that being a school board member can be a tough job.

“Had I thought about not running because of that?” Wood asked. “Absolutely. Had I thought about not running because within a month of my being on the board, signs popped up across the street from my house? Absolutely. And the challenge that it poses to my family and they’re treated differently? Absolutely I’ve considered not running. But I’ll be honest with you, the reason that I’m running is because I’ve been involved in tough situations my whole life.”

Wood previously was the fire marshal for the city of Nashua and appears to be worthy of any challenge.

“I am well versed in controversy and having to deal with things,” he said. “And really having the courage to do what’s right, regardless. That’s one of the things that really motivated me. The push, and the way I see my family and other families impacted — the way people are behaving. You mentioned that things need to change — you’re absolutely right, things need to change. It’s very hard to change things when people make things personal.”

Wood said that people need to recognize that the work that the board is conducting is business.

“We can have differences of opinion,” he continued. “Just because one board member has a different view on something, that’s the strength of being a board. That’s the point. You’re supposed to air those in a respectful, non-personal way and you’re supposed to have discussions and then come to a consensus and the consensus is the vote. I recognize that there are going to be difficult votes. There are going to be hurt feelings. But that’s the way it is. It is part of the process.”

While trying to be uniform and not make things personal, Wood added that he’s trying to have conversations to discuss ideas and listen to people.

“I’ve reached out to many people to try to get feedback,” he said, “It’s hard for people to give feedback frankly. I think there are a ton of reasons. And I’ve personally heard people concerned about saying things because they’re concerned about retribution against their kids. I don’t know. My children aren’t in the schools this year for the first time in many years. So, I don’t have that firsthand basis this year. But that has been a concern that I’ve heard as a parent and a budget committee member for decades.”

With strong opinions on both sides, Wood said he’s not surprised that some people still feel that way.

“I think from a cultural perspective, society has changed in the way we exercise civil discourse,” he stated. “And I think Milford unfortunately at this point, is an example of what’s going on in our larger society. The same kind of discourse is happening across the state and across that nation.”

“Is it good?” he posed. “I don’t think it is. I think if people were more respectful of each other and were willing to compromise and try to come together on some things when you can and seek that common ground — I think that’s better.”

Wood feels strongly that regardless of behavior from the Milford residents and the board, the focus should remain on the students.

“We need to improve their [the students’] opportunity for achievement,” he said. “If that’s our guiding principal, then everything else will flow. And that’s how I operate and that’s my belief. And I wish more often, people would ask but in a nice way. Asking questions, standing at a podium in front of a camera — we’re all people.”

Wood said that when he joined the board, he set up a separate phone number and published that phone number since day one.

“Do you want to know how many phone calls I’ve received on it?” he asked. “Zero.”

Even with his email published, Wood said no one has reached out to him directly.

“There has been a ton of things written to the whole board,” he explained. “So, all I can rely on is my interactions with people on the street or friends or acquaintances.”

Wood agreed that the line for public comments at school board meetings has gotten shorter, and the board appears to be running in smoother fashion.

“I think the board is functioning better now than it has since I went on,” he said. “There’s been a lot of growth. There is still a long way to go. There’s a lot of passion on both sides of any issue –as with any board or committee.”

Wood said he is hopeful that the board meetings will return or continue in the direction of civility.

“I think the citizens of Milford expect that is where we’re going to be,” he said. “I think it’s easy to fingers. It’s important for people to realize that there’s always more to either side. So, I’ve always tried to seek out and talk to people. I’ve talked to people who are much more conservative then I and much more liberal than I.”

Wood said the functionality of the board equates to finding a middle ground.

“I hope that people see my actions, when we’re trying to deliberate something are really trying to get to that middle ground,” he added. “Don’t get bogged down in the minutia of things. Let’s figure out how we can move forward.”