HAMPDEN — Hampden’s town election is upcoming on May 18, and Reminder Publishing sent questions to the two candidates for Hampden representatives in the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee.
School Committee member Rich Rediker is up for reelection on a three-year term and is challenged by former School Committee member Maura Ryan. Questions vary slightly between the candidates.
Reminder Publishing: Can you tell me a little bit about your background, i.e. work experience, committee experience, where you’re from, and what inspired you to put your name in the running once again.
Ryan: I was born and raised in Worcester and moved to Hampden in 2013, where I’ve been an active member of the community. Professionally, I work in manufacturing procurement in Springfield, where I regularly negotiate, collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders and work toward shared solutions—experience that aligns well with public service. I previously served four years on the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee and was elected by my fellow members to serve as vice chair for several of those years. During my tenure, the committee navigated significant challenges and initiatives, including the transition to remote and hybrid learning during COVID-19, the search and hiring of a new superintendent and the development of the district’s school improvement plan. I also actively participated on multiple subcommittees, including policy, negotiations and finance and operations. I’m inspired to put my name forward again because I believe our community deserves consistent, engaged and accountable representation. I am committed to showing up, in person, for meetings and subcommittee work, being well prepared and doing the necessary homework to make informed decisions. Most importantly, I believe in voting based on what is best for our district and community, guided by facts, collaboration and thoughtful discussion, rather than outside influence or someone else’s agenda.
RP: How many terms have you currently served and what has inspired you to stay in the School Committee/initially join?
Rediker: I served one term in the early-to-mid 90’s in addition to my current term. If reelected, it would be my third term. Education and working with/for students has been my passion for 58 years. After teaching chemistry at Longmeadow High School for seven years, I founded an international software company, Rediker Software, basing it in Hampden. Rediker Software has worked with schools in all 50 states and in over 130 countries. I have been fortunate to visit schools and attend educational conferences around the world, bringing my insights back to our school district. In fact, just this past week I visited schools in rural South Africa and chatted with their chemistry teacher about his 68 students in a single class and no lab for practical experience.
RP: What are your general thoughts or feelings going into election season?
Rediker: Educational funding is under attack in three major areas: From Washington with the dismantling of the Department of Education. Therefore, the federal government is sending fewer education dollars to Massachusetts which in turn is sending less to the towns. Inflation, especially health care and energy. The funding formula Massachusetts uses to disperse education dollars favors the big gateway cities and severely hurts most school districts like ours. Due to these factors, our towns cannot afford the huge increase in our budget needed to maintain the same level of service. Instead of working on ways to improve our district, our school committee and administration are pained to have to find the “least bad” cuts in our budget. And on top of this, our dedicated and excellent staff deserve a modest raise as they are also affected by Inflation.
Ryan: I’m excited going into this election season. I truly enjoyed serving on the committee previously and found the work both meaningful and rewarding. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to once again contribute, collaborate and serve our community in a thoughtful and engaged way.
RP: Do you have anything on your mind that you would still like to accomplish with the School Committee in the case you’re reelected?
Rediker: I hope to be part of the solution towards being able to maintain or even improve our education. Towards this end, we need to continue to work with the state, as we have been, to increase funding. We also must replace Wilbraham Middle School as it is overcrowded and past its end-of-life. Our School Committee and administration have applied to the state program that can hopefully help in this major undertaking.
RP: What do you hope to bring to the position, especially during a time with the discussion surrounding the state of the middle school and ongoing budget struggles for FY27?
Ryan: I believe I can bring a thoughtful and balanced perspective to the position, especially during a time when the condition of the middle school and ongoing FY27 budget challenges are front and center. Drawing on my professional background and prior committee experience, I’m comfortable weighing complex information, asking hard questions and looking at both short‑term impacts and long‑term sustainability. I approach issues with a focus on collaboration, data and practical solutions, recognizing the financial realities our district faces while still advocating for what is best for students, staff and the broader community. I believe in careful planning, transparent decision‑making and making sure community voices are heard as we work through these challenges together.
RP: Is there something that stands out as your favorite part of being on the School Committee?
Rediker: My favorite part of being on the School Committee is working as a team with my incredible school committee colleagues and the amazing leadership of our schools. Everyone is dedicated to providing the best possible education to our students.
RP: Is there anything that you have your eyes set on to accomplish within the School Committee that you haven’t seen done yet?
Ryan: If elected, I hope to work closely with my fellow committee members to strengthen how we support the superintendent and assistant superintendent as they work to offer the best educational opportunities for our students. At the same time, I am committed to being fiscally responsible and thoughtful with taxpayer dollars. Supporting district leadership also means asking the right questions, planning carefully and making informed decisions that balance educational needs with our financial realities. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that we are preparing students to leave our district ready to succeed, whether that means pursuing higher education or entering the workforce, as confident, capable and contributing members of society, while remaining responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us.
RP: Is there anything you’d like voters to know in specific that I haven’t asked or why you hope to get their vote?
Rediker: As stated above, I look forward to helping the district provide the best possible education to all students despite the financial headwinds we are currently facing. Whenever I have to take a vote, I don’t look for the path that benefits the school committee, teachers, administration or is politically correct. Instead, I vote for the path that most benefits our students.
Ryan: One thing I’d like voters to know is how deeply engaged I was during my previous service on the School Committee. I took the responsibility seriously, preparing thoroughly for meetings, actively participating in discussions and subcommittees and working collaboratively with fellow members and district leadership. I hope to earn voters’ support because I bring experience, a willingness to listen and a steady, pragmatic approach to decision‑making. I’m committed to showing up, doing the work, and making thoughtful, fiscally responsible decisions that prioritize students while respecting our community and taxpayers. I believe that consistent, engaged representation matters, and I’m ready to continue serving our district with that commitment.
