Thursday, October 1, 2026
Marie Carmel Houanche, a long time Freeport resident and community leader, is running for a Freeport Public Schools board trustee seat ahead of the May 19 election. Although she never attended any Freeport schools herself, Houanche has been an active participant in district affairs, having had five children enrolled in various Freeport schools with all graduating from Freeport High School. One grandchild is currently attending Freeport High School, highlighting her continued interest in the school district’s affairs.
As a resident for about 40 years, Houanche has been involved in a variety of professional and community services. She is a registered nurse and also served as an U.S. army chaplain for 20 years. As a septuagenarian she continues to serve at the American Legion William Clinton Post 342 in Freeport as a chaplain.
Houanche also serves on the executive committee of the Freeport-Roosevelt NAACP and chairs the Veterans Committee. She is no stranger to community leadership, being a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for the Village of Freeport, and providing leadership and collaborative efforts to a variety of school and community related events and initiatives.
“My priorities center on strengthening student well-being, academic excellence and community trust,” she told the Herald.
One of her main goals is providing proper clinical care for Freeport students.
“I would expand mental health supports for students, especially adolescents,” she explained. “My clinical background will help shape effective, evidence-based programs.”
Houanche added that she aims to “strengthen family engagement,” provide more professional development programs, adopt financial literacy programs and ensure “responsible transparent budgeting, so every dollar supports classrooms, student services and safe, well-maintained schools.”
When asked what she believes is the biggest challenge facing Freeport Public Schools, Houanche pointed to the depleted levels of trust within the district and the “rumor mill” that harms effective communication.
“When communication breaks down with rumor mill controls, everything else becomes harder, from implementing programs to support students,” she said. “Restoring trust begins with consistent, respectful communication and commitment to openness. I would persistently work to ensure that board decisions are clearly explained… promote (accessible) public information and not leaving residents in the dark… (and modeling) professionalism and integrity in discussions, even in difficult conversations.”
In reference to ongoing public disputes with Freeport Teachers Association President Patricia Langan and reassigned superintendent Fia Davis, who has been sued by the district, Houanche affirmed that her focus is and will be on stability and professionalism.
“Disputes should never overshadow the purpose of education and students’ needs,” Houanche stated. “As a board member I would promote mediation and structured dialogue, so any conflicts are resolved constructively and privately, not public showdowns,” adding that she would consult with the district lawyers about legal cases.
Houanche wants Freeport residents and families to vote for her and support her candidacy as a school board trustee based on her experience thus far and her continued commitment to the community.
“I’m running because I love this community. I understand its history and have roots here as a woman, mother, pastor and veteran,” she explained. “I am committed to (ensuring that) every child in Freeport receives the education and support they deserve from public education.”
This is a profile and not an endorsement of any candidates. The Freeport school board trustee’s election and budget confirmation will be on May 19. Freeport residents can register to vote Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Freeport Public Schools administration building.
