Hoosac Valley Regional committee appoints Jennifer Solak to Adams seat in 4-2 vote

The Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee voted 4-2 on Oct. 20 to appoint Jennifer Solak to the Adams School Committee vacancy, filling the seat through the end of the current term in May. The appointment followed interviews with four candidates and a nomination from School Committee member John Duval.

Duval moved to appoint Solak, seconded by Tracey Tierney; the motion carried with four votes in favor and two opposed. Robert Tetlow and Fred Lora recorded the dissenting votes. Duval said he appreciated Solak’s work with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and described her as an advocate for a large portion of the district community. Chair Erin Milne noted Solak had received more than 800 votes in a prior election and framed the appointment as an opportunity to honor community support.

Candidates interviewed — Kyle Malloy, Julia Marko, Edmund R. St. John IV and Jennifer Solak — each described their experience, priorities for the district, and views on regionalization. Committee members asked candidates about MCAS scores, cost-saving opportunities, and the future of regionalization; proponents of other candidates cited technical and infrastructure experience as assets. The committee’s appointment process requires a majority vote of existing members.

The newly appointed member will serve until the seat’s term expires in May. No further action on the appointment was recorded at the meeting.