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Dressed for the cold weather Tuesday, Jan. 7, Pat Maguire casts her vote for school board at the Wiscasset Community Center. (Kathy Onorato photo) |
By Kathy Onorato
Two-hundred ninety one Wiscasset voters participated in the election of the town’s new school committee Jan. 7.
In the three-way race for two seats on the board with terms expiring June 14, 2016, voters elected Steve Smith with 171 votes and Sharon Nichols with 153. Third place candidate Doug Smith received 132 votes.
Doug Smith was the founding member of the Wiscasset Educational Research Panel, which initiated the petition to withdraw from RSU 12. Smith has served in several educational capacities, including a prior Wiscasset school board member.
For the six-month term that expires June 14, Colleen Bennett defeated Wenonah Wirik, 172 to 98.
For the only uncontested term Glen Craig and Eugene Stover will fill seats that expire June 8, 2015. Craig received 239 votes and Stover 185.
As of press time the newly elected committee planned to meet Jan. 8, following a swearing-in ceremony, to begin work transitioning from RSU 12. Wiscasset’s withdrawal from RSU 12 becomes effective July 1.
The tasks the committee faces over the next six months include hiring a superintendent, preparing a budget and beginning negotiating new teacher contracts.
“I’m glad we have a very diverse board of people that really care and want to help with the future of the education challenges ahead,” Craig said.
