By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
Following the resignation of longtime School Committee member Sarah Stone, Francisco Palmarin is now its newest member.
Palmarin took his seat on the committee for the first time on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Stone, who has been on the committee since 2020, stepped down this summer as her family prepared to relocate to North Carolina.
“I’m a parent of a student, and I’m here to help out and learn as much as I can,” Palmarin said during his first meeting.
Palmarin’s path to the committee began earlier this year when he was one of four candidates seeking two seats in the town election. Stone led the field with 517 votes and newcomer Katherine Cloutier received 472, winning the two seats. Palmarin finished third with 192 votes, followed by John McAdam with 109.
Under the Town Charter, a vacancy on the School Committee is filled by the unsuccessful candidate who received the highest number of votes in the most recent town election, provided that person remains eligible and is willing to serve. As the third-place finisher in the election, Palmarin was next in line for the seat.
When Stone first announced her plans to move, Palmarin told the North Star Reporter that he would be honored to serve if given the opportunity.
“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 said at the time.
Palmarin now joins a School Committee that includes Chair Tasha Buzzell, Colleen Endres, Lyndsey Benharris, Cari Orsi, Charlie Peters and Cloutier. Palmarin said his immediate focus is on learning the role.
Peters acknowledged that joining midway through a term and under unusual circumstances could require an adjustment.
“I imagine it feels very sudden joining like this,” Peters told Palmarin. “Circumstances are not normal or anything, and I hope you find your footing.”
Peters recalled that one of his biggest adjustments when he joined the committee was learning the responsibilities of the position while doing the job.
“I think you’re joining a really good committee, so my hope is you get as comfortable as you can as fast as you can,” Peters said.
Palmarin’s arrival comes as the district prepares for another school year while continuing work on several major initiatives, including construction of the new North Attleborough High School.
During his campaign, Palmarin described himself as a parent and community member who wants to strengthen the connection between families and the school district.
According to his campaign website, his priorities include maintaining high academic standards while promoting equity, improving communication between schools and families, supporting teachers and fostering safe and inclusive environments for students.
Palmarin has said his own childhood experiences influenced his decision to seek office. On his campaign website, he wrote that he grew up in a family that experienced poverty and went through school with an undiagnosed learning disability. He said this shaped his interest in helping parents better understand the programs, resources and supports available to their children.
“I want to be a bridge for parents,” Palmarin wrote during the campaign, emphasizing transparency, guidance and access to educational resources.
Palmarin also identified representation as one of the reasons he sought a seat. A Puerto Rican resident of North Attleborough, he said during the campaign that he hoped to bring another perspective to town government and advocate for underprivileged students and minority families, while representing the broader school community.
His campaign website cites more than 25 years working with young people in settings ranging from shelters and community environments to church youth programs.
“I’m grateful to God for allowing me to have the best job in the world, where money can never compare to the true payment of what I get to do,” wrote Palmarin.