Holliston school committee recommends Dan Alfred to fill one‑year vacancy after contentious deliberations

The Holliston School Committee on June 2 recommended former committee chair Dan Alfred to fill a one‑year vacancy, voting to forward him to the select board for a formal appointment at a joint meeting June 8. The committee heard public candidate statements from six applicants before shifting to deliberations.

Committee members said they prioritized budget, contract negotiation and operational experience for the year ahead, noting an incoming turnover of central‑office administrators and a major Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) high‑school project. Several members pointed to Alfred’s 14 years of elected service — including roles on the finance committee and previous terms on the school committee — as evidence he could contribute immediately.

Candidates who presented included Robert Page (via Zoom), who described experience supervising student teachers and teaching in high schools; David Kim, a 27‑year educator and retiring principal at Fred W. Miller Elementary School; Karen Auzo Len, a longtime educator who emphasized open governance and curriculum work; Allison (Alli) Lima, an engineer who highlighted facilities and construction expertise and raised concerns about the fairness of endorsements during recent elections; and a written statement read for Karen de Monica, who cited building‑committee experience.

Debate before the vote focused on two process questions: whether to narrow the pool to a few finalists for June 8 or to recommend a single candidate now. Supporters of recommending Alfred cited his budgeting and negotiation record and noted that he received substantial support in the recent town election. Those urging a broader slate argued that presenting multiple candidates on June 8 would allow the public and select board to compare finalists and submit emails or other input.

Members also reported receiving emails both supporting and opposing candidates, and at least two emails alleged intimidating conduct at office hours involving one candidate; committee members said they had not all witnessed the incidents in question and emphasized the need to weigh such claims carefully alongside other evidence.

A motion was made and seconded to recommend Dan Alfred as the committee’s candidate; at roll call the transcript records yes votes from Frank, Tracy, Hillary and Don and one additional committee member who verbally recorded “And I’m a yes.” The motion passed. The committee scheduled the formal appointment for the June 8 joint meeting with the select board.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn. The select board will consider the committee’s recommendation at the June 8 meeting.