Freetown-Lakeville school committee elects Jen Blum chair, names officers and subcommittees; adopts FY26 budget after split votes

The Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee on April 9 reorganized its leadership following recent elections and approved a slate of subcommittee assignments and budget items in a meeting that included several roll-call votes.

The committee elected Jen Blum as chair and named Steve Sylvia vice chair, Courtney Brightman secretary, Crystal Ng treasurer and Timothy Emery district clerk. The committee also approved a slate of subcommittee assignments and several routine business items, including minutes, payroll warrants and an accepted donation from the local VFW chapter.

Why it matters: The reorganization establishes the committee’s leadership and membership on standing committees as the district prepares for budget season, negotiations and summer projects. The committee’s budget vote also sets the paperwork the towns will receive ahead of town meetings.

Election and officers: The committee nominated and voted by roll call to elect Jen Blum as chair. The committee then voted by roll call to appoint Steve Sylvia as vice chair, Courtney Brightman as secretary, Crystal Ng as treasurer and Timothy Emery as district clerk. The clerk/administrative staff called roll for each election.

Subcommittees and appointments: The committee confirmed membership for warrant signing, policy, collective bargaining, superintendent evaluation, regional finance,…