WILMINGTON, MA — Here are FIVE things that happened at Wednesday night’s Wilmington School Committee Meeting.
#1) Julie Broussard, Steve Bjork and Ginny Bonish were unanimously selected Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary – respectively – in the board’s annual reorganization.
Longtime Chair Peggy Kane announced, at the onset of the discussion, that she did not wish to serve as Chair — or any officer position — for the coming year.
“It has been a privilege to be Chair for many years… but it’s time for someone else to take over,” Kane said. “I’m happy with this decision. I’m glad other members have stepped forward to fill the role.”
Superintendent Mary DeLai and the board then recognized Kane for her nine years as chair.
“Your support has been instrumental to my success in this role. I can’t emphasize enough what your support has made to me,” DeLai told Kane, after handing her a bouquet.
“You were easy to support,” responded Kane.
#2) The School Committee approved Friday, June 17, 2016 as the last day of school for Wilmington Public Schools. It will be an early release day for students.
In case you lost track, Wilmington Public Schools only had two snow days this winter. The June 17th date is contingent on no further snow days, which seems like a safe bet, but – in New England – you never know!
#3) The School Committee was treated to a performance from the WHS Lamplighters Drama Guild. The cast of the upcoming school musical — Cats — spread out around the room and sang a song from the show.
“We’ve never had this happen before at a School Committee meeting… I can’t wait to see the play!” said Peggy Kane.
The Lamplighters will performing Cats on Thursday, May 19, Friday, May 20 and Thursday, May 21 – all at 7pm – in the WHS Auditorium. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online now HERE.
#4) The School Committee discussed subcommittee assignments for the coming year. The list was not finalized due to the absence of committee member Manny Mulas. The newest committee member — Tom Talbot — volunteered for several subcommittees.
A few highlights: Superintendent Mary DeLai noted the High School Building Committee will likely be dissolving shortly after one final meeting. Ginny Bonish will remain the School Committee’s representative on the Town’s Facilities Master Plan Committee. Julie Broussard will continue to chair the Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee. Bonish and Steve Bjork will remain on the Policy Subcommittee, with Peggy Kane joining them. The Committee will decide at a future meeting if the role of ‘Legislative Representative’ is still necessary.
#5) The School Committee unanimously accepted a donation of $1,000 from Reading Cooperative Bank. The money will be used to provide subsidies to families who need financial assistance to purchase Chromebooks.
Wilmington Apple will provide additional coverage of the meeting over the next several days.
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