Oxford Hills EA Secretary named Joan McGovern ESP of the Year
For many students, staff, and families at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, the day begins with a familiar smile and a warm greeting from Deb Ladner, the school’s front office secretary. Long before the first bell rings, she’s already in motion—answering phones, welcoming students, and quietly solving problems before most people have had their coffee.
Over her 30-year career in the district, Ladner has worn many hats—from classroom volunteer and substitute teacher to educational technician and now secretary. No matter the role, one thing has remained constant: Ladner is the heart of the school.
“Deb is the glue that holds this place together,” said Dennis Boyd (Oxford Hills EA). “She’s the first person we go to when we need help—and the last person to ever ask for credit.”
A proud graduate of Oxford Hills High School, Ladner chose to raise her family in the same tight-knit community where she grew up. Her lifelong ties to the area give her a deep understanding of the vital role schools play in rural communities—not just as places of learning, but as lifelines for families. “Some of the students, I went to school with their grandparents, and my kids went to school with their parents,” she said. “I know that these kids are our future, and we have to take care of them and invest in them today.”
WATCH DEB’s INTERVIEW IN THE HARGROVE HERALD BELOW:
Her commitment is reflected in the many ways she serves students and families beyond the school day. She connects students and families with food assistance programs, organizes school supply drives and holiday support, and helps host monthly community meals through her church. She also partners with the school’s Key Club to provide Thanksgiving baskets. That spirit of service extends to her classmates in the Oxford Hills Class of 1978. Together, they founded the annual ‘Fore a Cause’ golf tournament, which raises funds for grocery gift cards for families in need.
Ladner’s influence reaches far beyond Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. She’s seen firsthand the difference universal free school lunches make for students. “When we feed them, they can learn better,” she says. When funding for the program was at risk earlier this year, she took action—making sure lawmakers heard directly from those who would be affected. “This year, I called my legislators and told them we can’t afford to lose this program—so many kids and families rely on it.”
Her commitment to care extends just as strongly to the dedication she shows her colleagues. “I just really care about people,” she said. “If I can help a someone [at work] get something done or support them in any way, I try to help.”
As a long-time member of the Oxford Hills Education Association, Ladner has become a trusted advocate for education support professionals (ESPs). She’s become the go-to person for union-related concerns for secretaries and others across the district—offering guidance, support, and a steady hand during challenging moments. Her thoughtful leadership has supported those working behind the scenes, and her advocacy has helped to secure fair wages and improved working conditions for her colleagues. Now, as Maine’s Joan McGovern ESP of the Year, she brings that same dedication to a broader stage, using her voice to elevate ESPs across the state.
“Deb’s leadership and compassion embody the very best of what it means to be an education support professional,” said MEA President Jesse Hargrove. “She lifts others up, builds bridges between people and programs, and reminds us that care and connection are at the heart of public education.”
