Get to know me

Hello! I’m Melynie Klunk, and I’m excited to share a little about myself and why I’m passionate about education and our community.

I'm sure that you've heard my name, especially if you read my often lengthy and silly posts on the Bow Facebook Swap Shop page or if your child (or you - no judgement!) is a fan of the graphic book series Dogman: anytime something drops - the author writes: "KLUNK".  When my kids were little they thought that we were famous for that. 

Aside from why I'm famous, I’m a parent, educator, and active community member, and I care deeply about our schools and the well-being of our children. My journey in education has taken me from classrooms in the U.S. to France, giving me a broad perspective on learning and the diverse needs of students. As a bilingual speaker, I’ve taught my own children French (whether they liked it or not!) and understand the importance of language learning and global awareness. I’ve spent hundreds of hours volunteering in our Bow schools—doing everything from cutting laminated materials and making copies to teaching French, helping with reading and math, working book fairs, and helping with teacher appreciation efforts. If there’s a way to support our schools, I’ve probably done it!

I believe in honest conversations, humor, and open-mindedness. Life can be tough, and humor has always helped me navigate challenges (and let’s be honest, parenting requires a lot of humor). I also see it as a bridge that brings people together, even those with different perspectives. I might not always agree with you, but I will always listen with an open heart and a curious mind. I value direct and respectful communication—real conversations where people speak their minds, listen, and work together toward solutions. No passive-aggressive nonsense, no “going along to get along”, just thoughtful, honest discussions that help us move forward.

I moved to Bow from France 18 years ago to start a new life with my (now) husband, John—the kindest, funniest, and smartest person I know. He’s a MedPeds doctor by training and now serves as Chief Quality Officer for ambulatory services at Elliot Hospital. Together, we have three wonderful children: Gabrielle (14, 8th grade) and twin boys, Alexander and Grayson (11, 5th grade). I originally ran for the school board three years ago because I wanted to give back to this community that has given so much to my family. I’m running again because I believe our schools deserve strong, thoughtful leadership that listens to all voices—students, parents, educators, and the community. I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s work together to make our schools even better!