New Board of Education Seated, Chair Elected

Chair O'Brien

After some discussion Betty O’Brien was elected the new Chairperson of the Marlborough Board of Education with one abstention from John O’Toole. The nomination of Ms O’Brien was questioned by Mr O’Toole who stated, that this year’s budget process could be as contentious as last year’s and that whoever is Chair must stand in front the town and support the adopted Budget and the Budget Committee Chair. As last year’s Budget Chair he felt “out there” and unsupported.

Ms O’Brien assured the other Board members that she would support the Budget Committee and it’s Chair.

Ms Ruth Kelly was elected Vice Chair. Chair O’Brien asked all the board members to email her with 3 committees they would like to be on.

During the discussion on committees Mr O’Toole recommended the creation of a Curriculum committee in addition to the existing Policy committee. That idea was seconded by Ms Carole Shea. There was some discussion if a new Curriculum committee would be redundant to the existing Policy committee. While the Policy committee does address Curriculum issues it’s scope is wide ranging touching on many other issues, Mr O’Toole felt a dedicated committee just to Curriculum issues would be more effective.

The school administration’s presentation on the CMT Reading results were given by Loraine Giannini, Principal.