Letters of Interest to Fill Belmont School Committee Vacancy In the Coming Week

The departure of Pascha Griffiths from the Belmont School Committee will begin a process to fill the seat in which the appointed candidate will only serve until April's Town Election, according to the head of the Committee. 

In a statement from School Committee Chair Laurie Graham, within the week, she and Board of Selectmen Chair Mark Paolillo will seek “Letters of Interest” from potential candidates considering applying for the eight-month appointment, including details on the application process and timeline. 

State law calls for a joint vote of the remainder of the School Committee and the Selectmen to fill the position until the next town election on Tuesday, April 1, 2014. 

Within the week, Graham and Selectmen Chair Mark Paolillo will seek “Letters of Interest” from potential candidates considering applying for the shortened appointment.

At the annual town election, the appointed seat would be open for the remainder of Pascha’s term – one more year – in an election that will include two three-year seats on the committee. 

Graham and Kevin Cunningham will be seeking re-election in 2014 if they decide to run to retain their seats.

Graham also spoke in the statement about her now-former colleague.

"Pascha has brought a wonderful perspective to the School Committee table with her background in education, her experience as a classroom teacher and education consultant, belief in (and modeling of) community service and of course, her boundless enthusiasm. We thank her for her hard work and continued dedication to ensuring excellent outcomes for all students," said Graham.

"We look forward to hearing from the citizens of Belmont as we continue the work of educating our children," added Graham.