The Holliston School Committee is in the process of filling two vacant seats. The vacancy process is defined by Massachusetts law, Holliston By-Laws and School Committee Policy BBBE The 3 members of the Select Board and the School Committee’s remaining 6 members meet to fill the vacancy by roll call vote. A majority is required to appoint the replacement who serves until the next annual town election. A vacant seat occurred in April and an additional vacant seat occurred on June 4, 2026.
In April, the Select Board Chair stated the School Committee seat vacated in April would be filled after the May 19th election. On May 20th, the Town Manager posted a request for letters of interest to be submitted by May 28th for a 1 year School Committee appointment. Residents interested in serving were invited to submit letters of interest to the Town of Holliston. A Joint School Committee and Select Board meeting was posted on May 28th and scheduled for June 2nd to review and discuss the candidates together. In addition, the School Committee reserved their right at the June 2nd meeting to vote on a candidate or candidates for recommendation to the Select Board. This notice was provided on May 28th. In addition, on June 1st, a Joint School Committee and Select Board meeting was posted for June 8th for a joint roll call vote by the School Committee and Select Board to fill the 1 year School Committee position vacated in April.
At the June 2nd, Joint School Committee and Select Board meeting, following review of each candidate’s letter of interest and upon hearing candidate statements, School Committee members considered the responsibilities of the role, including oversight of the district budget, superintendent evaluation, collective bargaining, and policy development. Members also considered each applicant’s experience, qualifications and readiness to contribute during a particularly important year for the district that will include contract negotiations and leadership transitions.
We recognize, however, that the explanation of the process implemented in the June 2nd meeting was unclear to some and resulted in community frustration. We take responsibility for that and are committed to doing better. In future situations, we will work to provide greater clarity regarding the process being followed and the rationale behind our decisions.
We also want to acknowledge candidates who stepped forward to be considered for this position. Volunteering for public service requires time and a willingness to contribute to our community and make at times difficult decisions. We are grateful for their interest in serving Holliston Public Schools.
We also want to address the conduct that occurred at the conclusion of the June 2nd meeting, and continued thereafter. Holliston is a community that has long valued service, civic engagement, respect, and inclusion. While disagreement and passionate advocacy are important parts of a healthy democracy, personal attacks, misinformation, online harassment, and efforts to disparage individuals are inconsistent with those values. Public service should not come with the expectation that volunteers, candidates, elected officials, staff members, or their families will be subjected to harassment or misrepresentation. Regardless of one’s position on a particular issue or decision, we all share a responsibility to engage with one another respectfully. We recognize and respect the public’s right to disagree and to express criticism of our decisions. However, we seek civility and respectful engagement.
On June 8th, a Joint School Committee and Select Board vote was taken to appoint David Keim for the April vacancy, effective July 1st, following his retirement as Principal of the Miller School. We look forward to working with David as he brings years of experience in education, negotiations and budgetary needs to the School Committee. Welcome David Keim!
As for the remaining vacancy, on June 9th, the Town Manager will request letters of interest for a one year School Committee appointment through May 2027. The due date submission will be Thursday, June 18th at 12 p.m. noon. We anticipate that an appointment will occur prior to June 26, 2026 and more information will be forthcoming.
The School Committee remains committed to listening to community feedback and reflecting on how we can improve our work. We welcome questions, concerns, and differing viewpoints, and we are grateful to residents who continue to engage constructively in support of our schools.
Sincerely,
The Holliston School Committee