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Date: 7/19/2022
GRANBY – A new School Committee member was appointed to an interim role into 2023 during the July 11 Selectboard meeting after the School Committee joined for a joint session.
George Bahlke was approved in a 2-0-1 vote from the Selectboard with board member Chrystal Dufresne abstaining from the vote due to her job as a teacher in the district. While Bahlke said he is undecided on running for the position in the future he is happy to step up and fill in the interim role. The three School Committee members present also voted unanimously to approve Bahlke.
Selectboard Chair Glen Sexton said it was encouraging to see someone in the community step up to fill the position.
“With any committee or board within the town, whether it’s an elected position or appointed its always greatly appreciated as a resident that people step up and take on that challenge. It’s definitely a commitment, but if you’re up for a challenge there is a lot of rewards,” said Sexton. “I feel good about the change being made. It will be a great addition to the team.”
The vacant seat came as a result of previous School Committee incumbent Jennifer Mallette pulling her nomination papers before the May Town Election. Mallette’s decision to not want to be on the committee any more caused a vacancy on the ballot.
A write-in candidate went on to win the position during Town Election, but later decided to resign, which created another opening. With a seat still open, Bahlke reached out and expressed his interest in filling the seat which led to his appointment to the interim role.
Superintendent Stephen Sullivan said he looks forward to working with and getting to know Bahlke and his vision for the Granby Public Schools.
“His appointment makes the School Committee whole again, so I am looking forward to working with all the members on our collective goals,” Sullivan said. “I expect we will continue to find opportunities to build on our strengths and work together to address areas in need of improvement.”