NORWICH – Voting in a replacement board member is not always an easy task – especially when both candidates are qualified and willing to take the position, and the school board can’t reach a majority decision.
Norwich School board members found out how tough filling a vacancy can be Tuesdsay night following two interviews and two votes that after more than an hour, still left the seat unfilled. Seeking to fill a vacancy left by the departure of Catherine Stewart, candidates Don Chirlin and Tim Brown led the board to a first split vote of 2-2. Board members joked with the candidates, offering them a split seat and asked if it were possible for two new members to come aboard. District Deputy Superintendent Margaret Boice referred to the voting result as an “interesting coinky-dink.”
Upon arrival of a fifth board member, a second interview was conducted, a vote of 3 to 2 was reached, but since a majority result was not reached, the issue was tabled until the arrival of a sixth board member.
Trying to keep pace in the full agenda in store for the rest of their reorganization meeting, the board proceeded forward. Following nominations and further voting, Robert Patterson was elected to take over as board president and Clyde Birch was elected to serve as vice president.
At approximately 8 p.m., upon the arrival of a sixth current board member, the candidates were going to be interviewed for a third time and another vote was set. Before the interview was conducted, the decision of who to bring on board was made for them. Chirlin wrote the board a note saying he was withdrawing and he fully supported Brown.
Brown was sworn in and officially took his seat with the board as their seventh member.
Brown is an assistant health and safety coordinator for DCMO BOCES in Norwich. He says he is familiar with the school and has worked in the building on several occasions. He told the board he is knowledgeable in fire code as well as transportation and other operations throughout the district. He stated he is a native of Norwich and both he and his children graduated from Norwich High School. “This is a way for me to give back to school, the town and the people,” said Brown.
Brown has had experience working with boards and committees throughout the area before including the North Norwich town board for six years, chair of the committee for fire between North Norwich, the Town of Norwich and the City of Norwich and was on the committee as a community representative when the Norwich school district was looking to hire a new superintendent.
Brown will remain on the board for a one-year term to complete the term vacated by Stewart. Brown said he can foresee himself running for an official three year term in the next public election.