By Nathan Duke
Staff Writer

Two staff members from SAU 19 in Goffstown will begin work at SAU 15 in July.

SAU 15, which covers Hooksett, Candia and Auburn schools, will add Gail Walsh Kushner and Karen Lessard to its roster.

Lessard has been a staff accountant for SAU 19 for five years and lives in Dunbarton. She will begin work as the business manager for the Hooksett, Candia and Auburn school districts in early July.

She will replace Sally Waterhouse, who was previously making a difficult commute, said Candia School Board member Ingrid Byrd.

Byrd said Waterhouse would often spend a night or two a week in town after a late night SAU 15 meeting, instead of driving back to her home in Lincoln.

"I'm thrilled she stayed as long as she did," said Byrd.

Walsh-Kushner has been the assistant superintendent in Goffstown for two years and lives in Milton. She will begin work at SAU 15 on July 1.

In March, Superintendent Armand LaSelva said Walsh Kushner would be a great addition to SAU 15.

"She has a diverse background from kindergarten teaching to elementary teaching to working as an assistant principal to guidance counselor experience to working as a director of pupil services," he said.

Walsh-Kushner will replace assistant superintendent Eric Wigode, who has been on personal leave for several months.

Wigode has a contract that ends in July and is currently still on the payroll.

Byrd said LaSelva and Waterhouse have been carrying out Wigode's duties in the meantime.

"(They) have done an amazing amount of work to carry out his responsibilities - the major issues," she said.