Littleton School Committee elects Elaine Santelman chair, approves officer slate and subcommittee assignments

Elaine Santelman was elected chair of the Littleton School Committee during the body’s annual reorganization on May 28. The committee conducted roll-call votes to confirm Santelman as chair, Shauna Hearn as vice chair and Anelise Taber as clerk.

Santelman, speaking after the vote, praised outgoing chair Justin McGardy’s long service: “I don't know a school committee without you as chair,” she said, thanking him for liaison work, negotiation committee service and budget subcommittee efforts. Members immediately offered congratulations.

The committee then reviewed and discussed a slate of subcommittee assignments and roles, clarifying responsibilities for superintendent evaluation, liaison duties with town government, negotiations and budget work. During the discussion members proposed dissolving the technology subcommittee because district technology staff and regular presentations make a standing liaison redundant; the committee agreed to make that change official as part of the full slate.

A motion to accept the full list of subcommittee appointments “as presented” was moved and seconded; the committee voted in favor. The consent agenda (May 14 minutes and bills/payroll) was also approved earlier in the meeting.

Next procedural steps recorded in the meeting included assigning the chair to responsibilities that have historically followed that office, such as the oath to bills and payroll, and noting subcommittee membership changes can be revisited if members’ interests shift.

The committee moved on to regular reports after completing reorganizational business, including presentations from CPAC, school principals and district administrators.