Richard Sala for Hopkinton School Board
Fortifying the Nest, Preparing Hawks for the Skies.
Why Am I Running for School Board?
Strong schools are the heart of a thriving community, and I believe it’s our responsibility to ensure they continue to serve every student, family, and resident in Hopkinton. I am running for the School Board because I care deeply about the future of our schools and want to contribute my experience to promote academic excellence and prepare students for bright futures.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to serve in roles that have prepared me to listen, collaborate, and make thoughtful decisions. As Counsel to the Commissioner of the New Hampshire Education Department, I gained valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing schools. On the New Hampshire State Board of Education, I worked to promote high standards and accountability, always keeping students at the center of the conversation. In my current role as Director of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, I have the privilege of helping create opportunities for individuals across the state.
I’m also a retired Marine Corps officer and former law professor, and these experiences have taught me the importance of leadership, fiscal responsibility, and teamwork—qualities I believe are essential for serving on the School Board. I am committed to making thoughtful, transparent decisions while respecting the diverse perspectives of families, teachers, and taxpayers.
Hopkinton’s schools are already a tremendous source of pride—they were the primary reason my family chose to make Hopkinton our home. I even encouraged my brother and sister to move here because of the strength of our schools. My goal is to help preserve and strengthen this legacy of outstanding education. I want to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, every teacher feels supported, and every resident knows their voice is heard. By working together, I believe we can keep our schools strong and make our community even stronger.
How Can I Help Build on the Strength of Our Schools?
Focus
How Can I Help Build on the Strength of Our Schools?
Hopkinton’s schools are a tremendous source of pride for our community, and I am committed to ensuring they continue to thrive. My goal is to support and enhance the strong foundation already in place by exploring opportunities to enrich programs that benefit our students and community.
1. Expanding Opportunities in the Arts
A robust arts program—including painting, photography, dance, and theatre—helps foster well-rounded, successful students. Participation in the arts enhances creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration while supporting mental health by providing an outlet for emotional expression and stress relief. Shared artistic experiences, such as performances and creative projects, strengthen community bonds and foster pride in our schools. By continuing to prioritize and grow arts programs, we can enrich our students' education and help them engage with the world in meaningful and reflective ways.
2. Focusing on Fitness and Wellness
Wellness and fitness programs are critical for helping students develop healthy habits and physical resilience that benefit them throughout their lives. By encouraging wellness alongside academic excellence, we create an environment where students are healthier, happier, and better equipped to face life’s challenges. I believe there is an opportunity to grow these programs further, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental well-being as part of a balanced education.
3. Incorporating Emerging Technologies
As technology continues to evolve, I see exciting possibilities to integrate tools like artificial intelligence and other emerging innovations into our classrooms and at home. These technologies can enhance learning, provide personalized instruction, and prepare students for the future workforce. Thoughtful integration of technology ensures our schools remain forward-thinking and ready to equip students for success in a rapidly changing world.
4. Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability
Hopkinton’s schools operate with a budget that reflects a strong investment in education. As a board member, I would approach budget reviews with a fresh perspective to ensure every dollar is being used effectively to serve students and the community. By focusing on long-term sustainability and being mindful of our shared resources, we can ease financial pressures on residents while maintaining the high-quality education our schools are known for.
- I have been married to my wife, Melanie, for 23 years, and we have two children, Lidia and Taggart.
- I am a native of Queens, New York, and I enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 1997. I completed recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Subsequently, I graduated from the School of Infantry and was assigned to Rifle Security Company Windward at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
- In November 1998, following my tour at Guantanamo Bay, I joined 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, and deployed as a member of Battalion Landing Team 2/6 with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) aboard the USS Wasp, participating in Operation Dynamic Response in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Kosovo Force.
- In 2001, I was selected for the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program. While awaiting orders to BOOST, I joined 6th Marines Regimental Headquarters and served as the 6th Marines Assistant Operations Chief.
- In June 2002, I reported to Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, to attend the BOOST program. After completing BOOST, I joined the University of Colorado Boulder's Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Unit and was subsequently promoted to Staff Sergeant. I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, a minor in Italian, and a Certificate in Central and Eastern European History.
- I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May 2007. Once commissioned, I reported to The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Virginia. After TBS, I attended the Infantry Officer’s Course and Light Armored Vehicle Leader’s Course. I then reported for duty as Platoon Commander, 3rd Platoon, Company C, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (1st LAR Bn), and served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 08-2. Upon returning from OIF, I served as Company Executive Officer, Company C, 1st LAR Bn.
- In 2010, I was selected to become a Judge Advocate via the Excess Leave Program. I was promoted to Captain in July 2011 and graduated from Vermont Law School (VLS) in May 2013, earning a Master’s in Environmental Law and Policy, Magna Cum Laude, and a Juris Doctor, Cum Laude.
- After graduating from VLS, I attended the Naval Justice School before proceeding to Camp Pendleton, California, to serve as Trial Counsel for Legal Team Echo and Officer-in-Charge for Legal Team Delta. In February 2015, I joined 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, as the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Judge Advocate supporting Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (Australia), 3rd Marine Division.
- After my deployment with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, I joined the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJ), 1st Marine Division. While with the OSJ, I served as Assistant Deputy Staff Judge Advocate to the Commanding General of First Marine Division.
- In June 2016, I was selected as a Marine Officer Instructor (MOI) and assigned to the NROTC unit at the University of Rochester. I was promoted to Major in July 2017. While serving as MOI, I earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School.
- I retired from the Marine Corps in August 2018. From August 2018 to August 2019, I served as Counsel to the New Hampshire Education Department Commissioner.
- In August 2019, I joined the Vermont Law School faculty as an Assistant Professor of Law and Assistant Director of Academic Success. I subsequently served as the Director of Academic Success and completed my time with VLS as a Professor of Law and Director of Online Programs.
- I was appointed to the New Hampshire State Board of Education by Governor Chris Sununu in 2021, and I served on the State Board until December 2023.
- In January 2024, I accepted my current position as Director of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation for New Hampshire.
- My military decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. I also received the Major General Edwin B. Wheeler Award for infantry excellence and the Lieutenant Colonel Vic Taylor Award for being the Distinguished Graduate of the Infantry Officer Course.