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On Tuesday, February 25, the Sudbury Select Board voted to proceed with an appointment process to fill a vacancy on the Sudbury Public Schools (SPS) School Committee. The appointment will fill a vacancy stemming from the resignation of former SPS School Committee member Mary Stephens. (1:47:00)
The SPS School Committee had previously opted not to fill the vacancy in hopes of not influencing the upcoming election. However, Select Board member Charlie Russo noted that they now know one of the races for school committee is uncontested, and filling the seat would provide more robust representation of the community, while also avoiding the risk of 2-2 votes in the interim. Winners in the March Town Election are not sworn in until after Town Meeting in May.
The Select Board indicated that they believe the Select Board controls the appointment process, while the school committee is entitled to vote with them on whom to appoint. Russo cited Massachusetts General Laws.
Chair Jennifer Roberts noted recent “friction” on the school committee and voiced support for proceeding with the appointment.
Vice Chair Dan Carty suggested that it would be more appropriate to fill the vacancy with the winner of the contested race to fill the seat left vacant by Mary Stephens’ resignation.
Member Janie Dretler voiced discomfort with discussing any potential applicants ahead of a joint meeting to vote to appoint someone to the vacant seat. The board voted 4-1 to proceed with the appointment process, with Vice Chair Dan Carty voting ‘no.’
Town Manager Andy Sheehan told the board that the Town will post the opportunity for community members to apply for appointment for 7 days. Select Board Chair Jennifer Roberts will work to schedule a joint meeting with the SPS School Committee to vote to appoint an applicant.
The notice to apply for appointment was posted today.
