In keeping with the Open Meeting Law, the School Committee for the first time held all of its caucus discussions to elect new leadership – including the vote — publicly this year. Alas, according to chair Matt Hills, no one from the public showed up. (That’s my “Alas.” I had told Hills I might attend and I’m assuming — given the outcome of the vote — that he was relieved to get a phone call today instead of an audience last night. )
According to Hills, at the Nov. 16 caucus, Hills and Margie Ross Decter nominated themselves for chair, and Ruth Goldman and Steve Siegel nominated themselves for vice chair. Speeches, questions and discussion followed, with the vote scheduled for Nov. 23.
At last night’s caucus, Decter dropped out and Hills was elected chair, 8-0 with one abstention. Goldman beat Siegel 5-4. Votes for Goldman were: Goldman, Angela Pitter-Wright, Diana Fisher Gomberg, Decter and Mayor Setti Warren. Votes for Siegel were Siegel, Hills, Margaret Albright and Ellen Gibson.
The vice chair results are interesting. When was the last time the School Committee voted 5-4 on anything?
Congratulations to Matt and Ruth.
FYI, the Charter Commission also held their first meeting yesterday, at which Josh Krintzman was elected Chair and Rhanna Kidwell was elected Vice Chair, with Jane Frantz and Karen Manning elected to serve as co-clerks.
Bryan, I am dying for news. Are you have open meetings (not that I would want to attend)? Are there minutes? Was there a lot of media there (only kidding on this one)?
Did anything else happen?
Terrific start for the charter commission.
Glad to hear news about the Charter Commission. Sounds like a good start.
Wasn’t it Josh who said “elect myself Chairman” when asked by Gloria at the forum what was the first thing he would do at the first meeting? Good to know he gets things done.
The agenda for the first Commission meeting began the review process: members were sworn in, the Chair and Vice Chair were elected, and David Olsen gave a thorough explanation of the Open Meeting law with Oudia Young providing legal clarification. The first public hearing will be held on December 17 at 7:00PM in the Aldermanic Chambers.
The Commission will hold regular meetings on the second Wednesday after the first Monday and fourth Wednesday of each month in Rm 211 (previously Rm 222). The agenda for each meeting will be posted 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
All meetings are open to the public, minutes will be taken and posted on the city website, and we have an email address for citizen input: [email protected]. The Commission will meet on December 9th at 7:45 in the City Hall cafeteria (Rm 211 is not available that evening) and on December 16th at 7:00 in Rm 211.