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Town manager briefs board on proposed town‑charter changes; board favors keeping current vacancy process
Summary
Town manager Anthony presented suggested charter changes on filling school board vacancies (special election vs. appointment). Board members cited cost and statutory constraints and told the charter commission they prefer to retain current board‑led interview and appointment practice.
At a packed Winthrop School Board meeting, Town Manager Anthony reviewed proposed amendments to the town charter — submitted by a citizen — that would change how school‑board vacancies are filled depending on timing before elections.
Anthony outlined three options in the packet: require a special election if a vacancy occurs more than 180 days before the next regular election; have the council appoint a qualified person in certain windows; and allow a vacancy to remain open if it occurs within 90 days of an election. The superintendent and town clerk both cautioned the board about the cost and legal constraints of holding special elections and noted statutory timelines for ballot preparation and absentee ballots.
Board reaction: trustees expressed concern about the expense of additional special elections and the practical risk of prolonged split votes on a five‑member board if vacancies remain unfilled. Several board members said past practice — soliciting applications and conducting interviews internally before appointing a replacement — should remain in place. The board provided that feedback informally to the charter commission through the town manager.
What’s next: Anthony said he will pass the board’s comments along to the charter commission. The board took no formal vote to change the charter and will await guidance from the commission and town attorney.
