Select board and school committee jointly appoint Jamie Straetus as interim school committee member

The select board and the Millis School Committee jointly appointed Jamie Straetus on Sept. 8 to fill a vacancy on the school committee until the next election.

Jamie Straetus (who said she is often called "Miss Star" professionally) introduced herself as a longtime Millis resident and educator with classroom and administrative experience. Straetus described 14 years as a classroom teacher and 13 years as a school-based administrator and said her professional experience includes budgeting and grant work. She also noted her long connection to Millis schools as a parent whose children participated in immersion programs.

The select board read an alternate application from Thomas "TJ" Bakari, a pediatric nurse and youth sports coach, who had applied but was not present. After discussion, a school committee member made a motion to appoint Jamie Straetus; the motion was seconded. The joint body conducted a roll-call; the vote count reported in the meeting record was unanimous in favor.

Roll-call and formalities: The meeting transcript records affirmative votes from sitting select board members and school committee members present; the chair and members voiced "aye" during the roll-call. The board welcomed Straetus and advised her on swearing-in procedures and scheduling.

Why it matters: The interim appointment fills a seat on the school committee and brings an educator’s professional perspective to the board while the town prepares for the next election cycle.

Ending: Officials told Straetus how to arrange her swearing-in and encouraged her involvement at upcoming meetings. The board and school committee members congratulated her.