Everett School Committee elects Samantha Hurley chair; Jeanne Cristiano chosen vice chair

The Everett School Committee unanimously elected Samantha Hurley chair and Jeanne Cristiano vice chair at its organizational meeting Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

The nine-member committee opened nominations and, after a brief roll call, voted for Hurley by name. Hurley, a member of the Everett School Committee, thanked colleagues and outlined four priorities for 2025, starting with the upcoming superintendent evaluation. “First and foremost, we will soon begin the superintendent evaluation process. This is 1 of the school committee's most important and fundamental responsibilities,” Hurley said.

The vote to elect Hurley was conducted by roll call; each of the nine members named “Samantha Hurley” when asked to state the candidate for chair. Committee members immediately moved to nominate and elect Jeanne Cristiano as vice chair; that motion also passed by roll call.

Hurley told the committee she planned to press for a review and update of rules and policies through the rules, policy and procedure subcommittee and said she would advocate with the city council on expansion options to address overcrowding at Everett High School. She also encouraged English‑learner families to use the meeting translation pilot the district has begun.

The committee recessed briefly for photos and returned to the regular agenda.

Votes at a glance: the committee approved both leadership elections by unanimous roll call.