Budget committee confirms Shane Albuquerque to fill one-year vacancy

Shane Albuquerque, an applicant and former budget committee member, was confirmed to a one-year vacancy on the Merrimack School District Budget Committee by a roll-call vote announced as 6 yes, 3 abstentions. The chair called a five-minute recess so Albuquerque could be sworn in before the committee resumed work.

Albuquerque introduced himself at the start of the meeting, saying he “grew up here” and that his two children attend Reeds. He told members he had previously served on the district’s budget committee and the planning and building committee, including one year as chair, and said he wanted to help the community.

Committee members asked Albuquerque about his local ties and prior service. Joanne thanked him for past service and asked specifically about other committee experience; Albuquerque said he had chaired the planning and building committee for a year and had run in the last election but lost by a few votes.

The chair outlined the mechanics of the roll-call vote and explained that a yes vote would confirm the candidate. After members voted individually, the chair announced the tally and welcomed Albuquerque as the newest member.

The committee recessed so Albuquerque could take his oath and then moved on to approve prior minutes and other organizational items.