Arlington School Committee swears in new members and elects leadership team

The Arlington School Committee held its organizational meeting on April 7, 2025, at 5:31 PM, marking the beginning of a new term for its members. The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of two newly elected members, Dr. Allison Ampey and Mr. Leonard Carden, conducted by Town Clerk Julie Bridal. Following the oath, the committee welcomed the new members, allowing for a brief celebratory moment.

The meeting was conducted both in person and via Zoom, with simultaneous broadcasting on ACMI. The committee emphasized the importance of adhering to open meeting laws, noting that while public observation was encouraged, active participation required prior notice.

A land acknowledgment was presented, recognizing that Arlington is situated on the ancestral lands of the Massachusett tribe. This acknowledgment highlighted the committee's respect for the indigenous peoples of the area.

The committee proceeded to elect its officers for the upcoming year. Jane Morgan was nominated and unanimously elected as chair, followed by Laura Giddleston as vice chair, and Paul Schlichtman as secretary, all receiving unanimous support from the members.

Subsequent agenda items included the approval of committee and liaison assignments, which was also unanimously approved. The committee voted to authorize the chair and members of the warrant committee to sign the payroll warrant, again achieving unanimous consent.

The meeting concluded with a reading of the standards and norms of the Arlington School Committee, reinforcing the commitment to effective and efficient meetings. Overall, the organizational meeting set a collaborative tone for the upcoming year, with all members actively participating in the decision-making process.