About Me

My name is Bobby-Jo Bechard, and I’m proud to call Augusta home.

I’ve spent decades building connections in this community as a parent, advocate, and leader in mental health and recovery support.

My husband and I have built our life together here in central Maine while raising a family and getting deeply connected to this community. Our three sons graduated from Hall-Dale High School and now live and work in Augusta. My daughter, whom we adopted through foster care, has attended Augusta schools since kindergarten and is currently a student at Cony High School.

Like many families, we’ve seen firsthand both the strengths of our schools and the challenges they face.

I believe in the power of collaboration, transparency, and listening. These values guide everything I do — and they are the foundation of how I will serve Ward 4 on the Augusta School Board.

Why I’m Running for School Board

Every child in Augusta deserves access to a safe, supportive, and high-quality education. Our schools don’t just prepare students for the future- they are the heart of our community today.

I’m running because I want to:

+Put students first in every decision.

+Ensure our teachers and staff have the tools they need to succeed.

+Build stronger partnerships between schools, families, and the community.

+Lead with compassion, collaboration, and fairness- not politics.

My Priorities:

+Student Mental Health & Wellness -Every student should have the support they need to thrive.

+I will advocate for trauma-informed practices and expanded access to mental health resources in our schools. Support for Teachers & Staff. Great schools require great educators. I’ll work to ensure teachers and staff feel valued, supported, and equipped to give their best in the classroom.

+Families deserve a voice in decisions that affect their children. I will work to strengthen transparency and create more opportunities for open communication.

+Safe, Inclusive Schools Our schools should be places where every student feels welcome and respected. I am committed to equity, inclusion, and building a culture of belonging.

My Commitment to You

I will bring compassion, fairness, and open communication to every decision I make. I believe that when we strengthen our schools, we strengthen Augusta. Together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed- in the classroom and in life.