Allen Ingram
Express correspondent
The Kingston School Committee held an emergency meeting Monday night, July 15, to reorganize and discuss filling a vacancy after the unexpected resignation of member Tim Lewis last Friday, July 12.
“It was very unexpected. I’m not sure why; I haven’t spoken to him,” said newly-elected Chairperson Megan Cannon about Lewis’s sudden departure.
With only four members remaining, the committee grappled with how to fill the vacancy. Superintendent Dr. Jill Proulx explained they should follow town procedures, which involve the Board of Selectmen.
“It’s always ideal to fill the position as quickly as possible because you want to have a full slate of representatives for the School Committee,” Proulx said. “I think the more difficult part of this will be finding a time when the Board of Selectmen and members of the School Committee can meet in the summer.”
Committee member Jeanne Coleman stressed the need for a clear, fair application process, citing issues with past appointments.
“I just hope the posting is clearer than the last time, that if there’s a deadline that it’s honored, so that it’s fair for everyone that is interested,” Coleman said.
The committee elected new leadership, with Megan Cannon as Chairperson, Tricia Arieta as Vice-Chair, and Michael Shekane as Secretary. They also reassigned subcommittee roles, strategically leaving some positions open for the future appointee.
“Should we continue going through the rest of these subcommittees, or should we wait for the fifth member?” Shekane asked. “Because right now they don’t have anything at this point. They might be eager to go do something.”
Ultimately, the committee filled most positions but left openings on the Pilgrim Area Collaborative, Safety Subcommittee, and Technology Subcommittee.
The timing of Lewis’s resignation added complexity, as a vote on a new Assistant Superintendent’s contract was scheduled for later that evening. The committee ensured Kingston would have proper representation for that vote.
As the emergency session wrapped up, Cannon thanked her colleagues for their flexibility:
“Thank you very much, everybody, for your time. Tricia, thank you. I know you’re away, so I really appreciate you being available this evening.”