# Ep. 155 Lasting Legacy: Nathan Mahalik on Restoring Basics in MSAD 52 Schools

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/muddy-waters-7079451/ep-155-lasting-legacy-nathan-mahalik-on-restoring-basics-in-msad-52-schools
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/muddy-waters-7079451/ep-155-lasting-legacy-nathan-mahalik-on-restoring-basics-in-msad-52-schools.md
Podcast: [Muddy Waters](https://stenobird.com/podcast/muddy-waters-7079451)
Published: 2026-03-17T19:34:34+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/charles-ellis9/episodes/Ep--155-Lasting-Legacy-Nathan-Mahalik-on-Restoring-Basics-in-MSAD-52-Schools-e3gi8mu
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/1039add24/podcast/play/117039262/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-2-17%2F420172383-44100-2-d3d0db488e7dd.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/muddy-waters-7079451/episodes/ep-155-lasting-legacy-nathan-mahalik-on-restoring-basics-in-msad-52-schools
Duration seconds: 2894

## Resource

Good afternoon, Maine! Host Chuck Ellis sits down with Nathan Mahalik, a stay-at-home dad and candidate for the MSAD 52 school board (representing Leeds in the towns of Leeds, Greene, and Turner). Nathan shares his journey from 14 years in leadership at Hannaford to becoming a full-time dad to three boys, coaching T-ball, and stepping up to run for office—not out of ambition, but duty to ensure kids get a real education. The conversation dives deep into putting students first: refocusing on reading, writing, arithmetic, science, history, and practical life skills like trades, home economics, and basic auto maintenance. Nathan critiques the overemphasis on social-emotional learning at the expense of core preparedness, questions ballooning budgets ($37M in MSAD 52), administrative bloat vs. teacher pay, and policies like Chapter 117 that limit parental involvement. He champions empowering parents, community involvement, and preparing kids for real-world success—whether college, trades, or life—without dragging them across the finish line. A heartfelt, no-nonsense talk on why education should educate, mental health belongs at home with professionals, and why "it takes a village" means supporting—not sidelining—parents. Election info: April 3rd (polls 1-8 PM at Leeds Town Office); early/absentee voting available through March 31st. Leeds voters—your voice matters! Subscribe for more on-the-ground Maine insights from moms, dads, business owners, and leaders. New episodes drop regularly—next up: Tuesday update with John Fetherston.#MaineEducation #SchoolBoard #ParentalRights #BackToBasics #MSAD52

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