By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
The next shape of the School Committee will be decided at Tuesday’s Town Election.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. and all voting will be done at North Attleborough High School. There is one contested race for the School Committee, with four candidates vying for two seats.
Current committee members John Costello and Ethan Hamilton are running for re-election, and will be challenged by David Chee and Charles Dobre-Badobre. Chee is a former member of the School Committee, Finance Commission, and a former selectman, while Dobre-Badobre is a newcomer to local politics.
In addition to the School Committee, the Board of Electric Commissioners, Board of Public Works, and Park Commission all have members running for re-election, but these are uncontested races.
In a response to a series of candidate questions, Chee said he is running to continue the traditions of responsible budgets, academic and extracurricular programs, and strong interactive bonds.
“The attainment of the elected position will allow me to accomplish this mission,” he wrote.
In a recent debate on North TV, Dorbe-Badobre said that the students need to be part of the decision-making process. He stressed the importance of connecting with different cultures and the need for programs to give students help in preparing for college or potential careers.
“We need as leaders to be creative,” he said.
Costello said over the course of his first term he learned that listening is paramount and the district needs to make investments in high-quality education.
“The policies we enact go far beyond the four walls of the school,” said Costello.
Hamilton said that if re-elected he would only serve one more term. He spoke of the dire situation the schools were in six years ago, how there was talk of budget cuts and money was being spent on a building that was never used, that leadership was in over its head.
“In six years we saw a lot of changes, made great strides,” said Hamilton “Look at my track record—a lot happened.”
David Chee’s candidate profile
Ethan Hamilton’s candidate profile
John Costello’s candidate profile
Charles Dorbre-Badobre did not return his candidate profile in time for the election.
