By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
School Committee member Sarah Stone has announced that she will step down this summer after six years as her family prepares to relocate to North Carolina, bringing to a close a broad legacy of community service.
Stone, who was reelected to a third term in April, made the announcement during the committee’s June 9 meeting. Committee Chair Tasha Buzzell said Stone is expected to move in July or August and that this meeting was likely her last.
“When we moved to North Attleborough 13 years ago, I could never have imagined how much I would come to love this community and the people in it,” Stone said through tears. “When I first ran for School Committee six years ago, I certainly never imagined the opportunities, experiences and friendships that would come from it.”
Stone has served on the committee since 2020, while also helping lead numerous local organizations and initiatives, including co-founding the non-profit Our Open Umbrella, serving as co-chair of the North Attleborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council, helping organize the North Attleborough Pride Festival and previously co-founding the Fuel for the Weekend program.
Buzzell highlighted Stone’s extensive volunteer work, which has earned recognition including North Attleborough/Plainville Rotary Club’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year, the Rodman Awards’ Innovative Civic Leader honor and a Laughing Shield Comic Shop Community Hero Award.
“Sarah feeds, clothes and houses families, individuals and children, not only in North Attleborough, but everywhere, which is pretty remarkable,” Buzzell said, referencing Stone’s work through Our Open Umbrella.
Searching for a way to summarize Stone’s impact, Buzzell turned to a quote often attributed to Methodism founder John Wesley: “Do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways you can, for as long as you can.”
“If I had to encapsulate Sarah, I could not do it better than that,” Buzzell said.
The committee’s recognition culminated with the announcement that North Attleborough Public Schools will rename its NorthServes “Make a Difference” award in Stone’s honor. The award is presented annually to the graduating senior who has made the greatest impact through community service.
Buzzell said the idea emerged after she and Superintendent John Antonucci attended this year’s student awards ceremony.
“We have to do something. We have to name something for Sarah,” Buzzell recalled telling Antonucci.
The announcement was met with prolonged applause from the packed meeting room.
In her remarks, Stone thanked educators, administrators, town officials, fellow committee members and residents for their support throughout her tenure.
“To the School Committee, past and present, it has been an honor to serve alongside so many dedicated people,” she said. “We’ve faced challenges, made difficult decisions, celebrated successes and always kept students at the center of our work. I leave with complete confidence in this committee and the future of our district.”
She also thanked her family for supporting every meeting, event and “crazy idea” she pursued over the years.
“While it’s hard to say goodbye to a place we love so much, I am excited for the next chapter and adventure with the three of you,” Stone said to her family.
Stone’s resignation has not yet been formally submitted to the town. Under the Town Charter, School Committee vacancies are filled by the unelected candidate who received the highest number of votes in the most recent election, provided that person remains eligible and willing to serve.
In the April town election, Stone received 517 votes and Katherine Cloutier received 472 to win the two School Committee seats on the ballot. Francisco Palmarin finished next with 192 votes, followed by John McAdam with 109.
Palmarin said he has not yet been contacted by the town and is waiting for the formal resignation process to be completed.
“I am excited about the possibility of serving on the School Committee and would be honored to fill the vacancy if appointed,” Palmarin said in an email. “I care deeply about our schools, our students, our teachers and our community, and I would welcome the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way.”
He added that he would look forward to learning from the committee’s current members and working collaboratively on behalf of students.
Stone closed her remarks by thanking the people of North Attleborough.
“Thank you for standing with me in everything I’ve done,” she said. “You’ve shown me what it means to be a part of a community that cares deeply about one another and about its children. North Attleborough will always have a piece of my heart.”