Off The Gravel Road
Off the Gravel Road
Robb Ellis is a husband, father, grandfather, educator, tradesman, and public servant with a deep-rooted commitment to small-town life and hands-on learning. Born in Los Angeles, California, Robb moved to Vermont in the 1980s, where he began his first career in law enforcement. After retiring from the field, he transitioned into the plumbing and heating industry—eventually becoming a technical trainer at FIA, where he now helps shape the next generation of skilled trades professionals across New England.
Robb’s journey has taken him through Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and now New Hampshire—where he and his wife Kristen have lived for many years. Married for over 31 years, they’ve raised three sons and are now proud grandparents to two granddaughters.
In addition to his work at FIA, Robb serves on the Barnstead Select Board and as an ex officio member of the zoning board, where he brings a grounded, practical voice to local governance. He’s also the force behind Storer Ranch and Cow Camp, rural education initiatives rooted in soil health, regenerative agriculture, and trades-based learning. Through programs like the Storer Ranchers 4-H Club and partnerships with local schools, Robb is helping rural youth gain real-world skills and a sense of stewardship for the land.
Having lived in small towns across New England, Robb has come to appreciate their quiet differences and shared spirit. Off the Gravel Road, his podcast, explores what makes these communities tick—sharing conversations from porches, pastures, and town halls that reflect the values, humor, and grit of life beyond the pavement.
Off The Gravel Road
School Board Candidate Interview: Andrew Harris
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School Board Candidate Interview: Andrew Harris
In this episode of our Community Candidate Podcast Series, Aurora interviews Andrew Harris, a candidate for School Board.
Andrew shares his background as a Barnstead resident since 2017, a mechanic and former service manager, and a father with children attending local schools. He discusses his motivation for running, which includes a focus on transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility within the school district.
During the conversation, Andrew outlines his understanding of the School Board’s role in budget oversight, long-term planning, and collaboration with school leadership. He speaks about balancing educational quality with responsible spending, increasing public access to school board discussions, and maintaining open communication with families and taxpayers.
As with all candidates in this series, Andrew was asked the same standardized set of questions in the same order to ensure fairness and neutrality. This interview is presented as part of a student-led civic learning project and is not a debate or endorsement.
