Howard White was elected chair of the Norwalk Board of Education during the board’s annual organization meeting on Jan. 6, as members also administered the oath of office to newly elected trustees and chose a board secretary.

Rick McQuade administered the oath of office to new members — including Marcus Jaime, Garrett Oliver, Sherry McCready Pritchett, Dane and Neli — who stood and repeated the oath pledging to "faithfully and impartially discharge the duties" of the office. The meeting opened at 7 p.m., and the pledge of allegiance was recited.

Why it matters: The reorganization follows a year in which several speakers acknowledged damaged public trust. Multiple board members and Mayor Barb Smith urged renewed communication and collaboration with parents, teachers and administrators as priorities for the year ahead.

Nominations and votes: The board opened nominations for chair. Member Sherry McCready Pritchett was nominated and seconded; Mary Ellen Flaherty Ludwig nominated Howard White and another member seconded that nomination. By a show‑of‑hands vote the record shows votes recorded for Sherry from Ashley, Jasmine, Sherry and Diana; votes recorded for Howard from Nellie, Howard, Mary Ellen, Garrett and Marcus. The board declared Howard White the new chair. Later, Sherry was nominated for vice chair but declined the nomination.

The board then nominated Ashley Goulias for secretary; the nomination was seconded and the board elected Goulias unanimously by show of hands.

What board members said: Mayor Barb Smith said the city and its officials must "work together in unity, in collaboration" to rebuild trust after a difficult year, and emphasized the board’s shared commitment to students and staff. New board member Marcus Jaime said he was "excited" to help the board "regain the trust of the public." Sherry McCready Pritchett thanked colleagues for their confidence and said she looked forward to continuing to serve.

Next steps and closing: With officers in place, board members emphasized improving communication and continuing work on student outcomes. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn and closed shortly after 7 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Chair — Howard White elected by show of hands (recorded votes: Ashley, Jasmine, Sherry, Diana for Sherry; Nellie, Howard, Mary Ellen, Garrett, Marcus for Howard). Vice chair — Sherry McCready Pritchett nominated and declined. Secretary — Ashley Goulias elected unanimously.