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Town manager briefs board on proposed charter change for filling school-board vacancies
Summary
Anthony, the town manager, outlined a citizens' proposal with three options for filling school-board vacancies — special election, council/board appointment depending on timing, or leaving a seat unfilled — and discussed state-law limits and cost/quorum concerns.
Anthony, the town manager, presented a packet containing proposals from a citizen (Whitney Khan) to revise section 2.10 of the town charter regarding how school-board vacancies are filled. He summarized three scenarios: (1) if a vacancy occurs more than six months before an election, call a special election within 60 days; (2) if between 90 days and six months before an election, allow appointment (the proposal made the board responsible for appointment); and (3) if within 90 days, leave the vacancy unfilled until the election. Anthony noted concerns from the superintendent and town clerk over the cost and administrative burden of special elections and explained state timing rules for ballot coding and availability.
Board members expressed concern about the fiscal cost of special elections and the operational risk to a five-member board if seats remain vacant and pose quorum issues. Several members indicated a preference to retain the current practice (board appointment) or to rely on state law as written. Anthony said the Charter Commission sought the board's feedback and would pass it on.
The discussion did not result in a formal board vote on charter language; members provided informal feedback that the town clerk and superintendent's cost and quorum concerns should be considered.
