SAU 16 Communities Welcome New School Board Members

School Administrative Unit 16 is welcoming six new members to its community and regional School Boards.

The candidates were elected to three-year terms during annual elections on March 10.

New members are:

Brentwood: Katie Coppola

Coppola is a proud parent in the district, her daughter attending Kindergarten and her son attending Grade 4 at Swasey Central School.

“Being actively involved in their education has given me a meaningful, first-hand connection to the school community,” she said.

She serves as a special educator and holds a master’s degree in Library Media for Schools, which allows her to support diverse learners and advocate for inclusive, engaging educational environments.

She also coaches field hockey, strengthening her commitment to mentorship, teamwork, and student growth both on and off the field.

“Through my work and community involvement, I am deeply invested in fostering a positive, supportive school culture where all students can thrive,” she said

Brentwood: Melissa Litchfield

Litchfield brings extensive experience to this position as a parent, and longtime elected official. She served nine years on the Swasey School Board, including four years on the Budget Committee, and six years on Exeter Region Cooperative School Board. These roles have given her a strong understanding of local schools and the broader district.

She and her husband have four children ages 15-23, all of whom attended Swasey School in Grades K-5.

She is in her second term in the House of Representatives, serving Rockingham District 32. She holds a seat on House Education Policy and Administration Committee, connecting her with state issues that affect local schools.

“My involvement as a parent, along with my years of service, has given me a deep appreciation for what makes our school special. Swasey is a cherished part of our community, and I remain committed to making thoughtful, student-centered decisions that support strong outcomes for all students,” she said. “I value the strong relationships I have built with local school leaders and believe collaboration is key to supporting students and educators.”

East Kingston: Tom Cronin

Cronin is Chief of Staff in the Office of the President at the University of New Hampshire, where he supports the university’s executive leadership, helps advance institutional priorities and special projects, and contributes to the university’s communications efforts and work with external audiences.

He and his wife, Aine, have two children who attend East Kingston Elementary School.

Cronin holds a master’s degree in public administration from UNH and a bachelor’s degree in politics from Saint Anselm College. He is active in the community and currently serves as Board President of the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits.
He also previously served on the board of Great Bay Kids Company, including two years as board chair.

“East Kingston has been a wonderful community for our family, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve,” Cronin said. “I hope to help continue the great work already happening in our school by listening carefully, asking good questions,
and supporting thoughtful, transparent decision-making.”

Exeter: Shonni Holmes

Holmes, originally from Southern California, holds an master’s degree in fine arts from UCLA and left her university teaching role to relocate to Exeter in 2020.

She is married to a Dover native and has two children — a son who attends Main Street School, and a daughter in preschool.

In 2024, Holmes founded the grassroots community organization BIPOC Kids on the Block which facilitates free and low-cost meetups for youth of color and their families.

She also serves as Artistic Chair for the nonprofit Players Ring Theatre in Portsmouth. Holmes is thrilled to advance her community advocacy through service on the Exeter Elementary School Board and looks forward to lending her perspective to ensure all children in the SAU16 have what they need to reach their full potential. 

SAU 16: Cameron Kittle

Kittle is employed in health care marketing and has two daughters who attend Main Street School in Exeter.

He brings significant experience in education to his new role, including co-directing a middle school mentoring program while at Boston College, and assisting the Book Love Foundation, which donates books and classroom libraries to instill a love of reading in students in grades PreK-12.

 “I care deeply about public schools and the people in them, everyone from students and teachers to support staff and administrators,” Kittle said. “I look forward to working with others in the community to learn, listen, and do what we can on the board to provide a supportive environment where every kid can thrive and feel like they belong.”

Stratham: Shane O’Brien

O’Brien brings more than 20 years of professional experience in the field of information technology, spanning multiple roles across executive leadership, engineering, sales, and marketing. This background has strengthened his ability to analyze complex issues, manage budgets responsibly, use data to make informed decisions, and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

His children attend Stratham Memorial School.

He also served in the U.S. Army for six years. He continued his public service in Stratham, where he has coached multiple youth sports teams and served on the Stratham Memorial School Advisory Committee.

“I believe strong schools are built through thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a clear focus on student outcomes. Our school is more than a building, it is a gathering place, a foundation for lifelong learning, and a reflection of our community’s values. I believe strong schools are built through collaboration, open communication, and mutual respect among parents, teachers, and community members. I am committed to listening to diverse perspectives and helping ensure decisions reflect what is best for all students and our community.

“I value transparency, accountability, and clear communication, qualities essential for effective school board governance. Prior to my professional career, I served in the US Army for six years earning the rank of Sergeant. My time in the military instilled in me a deep sense of discipline, accountability, and commitment to something larger than myself. It shaped my leadership approach by reinforcing the importance of integrity, teamwork, and staying focused under pressure, qualities that continue to guide me in both my professional and personal life. 

“I am committed to strengthening the partnership between families, educators, and the community through open communication and transparency. I believe the school board should reflect the voices of parents, educators, and the broader community. I am committed to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to help ensure our school remains a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed.”