Phoebe VanScoy-Giessler

Phoebe VanScoy-Giessler earned a high school diploma from Candor Junior/Senior High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in 1996. Her career experience includes working as a nonprofit professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have lived in this district since 2001 and in my home in Tuftonboro since 2005. I am a Mom of three boys (ages 22, 20 and 14). My husband is well known in the community as a teacher and theater director at Kingswood Regional High School. People in the area may know me best from my work with the Village Players theater or because they’ve seen me training for running races (from 5Ks to ultra marathons) on the roads and trails in our area.

I attended SUNY New Paltz (NY) for 2 years and transferred and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Politics. I have spent my career in nonprofit and education fields and currently work as the Director of Marketing & Development at The Barnstormers Theatre in Tamworth. I also work as a substitute teacher at Tuftonboro Central School. Previously, I have worked in fundraising and communications roles for Lakes Region Community Services, Special Olympics New Hampshire, and Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center.

I grew up in a household where service to the community was an expectation and held in the highest regard. My parents raised 8 children and were leaders in the community. They exemplified integrity, hard work, and maybe most importantly, good humor.

Being a distance runner has taught me endurance. When the road gets tough, you don't quit. You take a walk break, take in some calories, hydrate - but KEEP GOING. I'm ready to work hard and be a voice for Tuftonboro & Wolfeboro.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We need to fully - and fairly - fund our public schools. I spent eleven years as a GWRSD educator and am currently a substitute teacher at Tuftonboro Central School. I have witnessed how access to a quality education changes lives. New Hampshire legislators need to prove that they also value education by providing stable and equitable funding that doesn't place an undue burden on local property owners or renters. We must find sustainable, commonsense funding solutions that prioritize the needs of our state's children. Two key ways to move on these priorities are: 1) Restructuring and better oversight of Education Freedom Accounts (Vouchers) and 2) Defeat the misleading ballot measure HB1300 / Local School District Tax Caps.We need a commonsense property tax structure. No homeowner should be forced out of their home because of property taxes. New Hampshire's current tax system is one of the most regressive in the nation - meaning those with the lowest incomes pay the highest percent of their wages in taxes. We need real property tax reform. Legislators need to think creatively about how we fund our schools and other essential services. One option could be to adopt an income-based property tax 'circuit breaker' - so no homeowner would pay more than a fixed percentage of their income in property taxes. Working with colleagues in the legislature, I know we can find a better way.Thriving Communities need affordable starter/downsize homes and rental options. By the year 2030, the state is expected to be 60,000 units short of our housing needs. For the recent college grad in my family - employed fulltime and motivated to launch on his own - affording rent for a one-bedroom or studio apartment near his job in Rochester is simply out of reach right now. Forget about investing in a starter home. If NH is going to thrive, we need to find creative ways to help our workforce live in the towns and cities where they work. Further, our seniors should be able to remain in the communities where they have built their lives. We need solutions that prioritize building stronger communities with a variety of housing options.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I care deeply about properly funding of public education, affordable housing options, and a commonsense property tax structure.

In addition, I want to be an advocate for our most vulnerable citizens. Whether that's in support of funding of special education services for children in schools or opportunities for adults with physical and developmentally disabilities to work and thrive in our communities.

I also stand with individuals who identify as LGBTQ and hope to ensure our state is a safe place for them.

Finally, we need to accept that the climate crisis is here and take measures to inspire sustainable, innovative solutions.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

We should all be a little more like Dolly Parton: joyful, generous, open-hearted, and true to herself.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A great legislator balances firm convictions with an open mind and a genuine empathy for those they serve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like people to recall that I brought them joy, good humor, and compassion.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Like most Gen X girls, I was babysitting from the age about 12 years old. When I was about 14, I was a gymnastics coach on Saturday mornings at the same gym where I had previously been a gymnast. Other summer jobs were picking strawberries and scooping ice cream.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

NEA-NH; AFT; Planned Parenthood; Congressman Ro Khanna (confirmation letter pending Sept 28, 2026)

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

I remember the Iran Hostage Crisis from 1979-1981. I was 5-7 years old but my family watched the news nightly and light 52 candles along our front walkway for the hostages around the holiday.