Regional School Committee member Seddon resigns

Date: 6/7/2021

SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee met June 1 to discuss a  member resignation and the Southwick Regional School (SRS) graduation ceremony.

Superintendent Jennifer Willard announced during the meeting that School Committee Member Maria Seddon submitted a letter of resignation and that her final School Committee meeting would be June 15.

In her letter, Seddon said that she is leaving her position because she is moving out of Southwick.       

Her term on the committee was set to expire in 2022.

“I have greatly enjoyed the cooperative experience of serving on the school committee during my terms and am thankful for your help and kindness along the way. I am honored to have worked in the capacity of improving the school and its functions for our children and am grateful for your understanding,” said Seddon.

Following Seddon’s announcement, Southwick Regional School Principal Joseph Turmel talked about the plans for the SRS graduation ceremony on June 12. The ceremony is set to start at 10 a.m. on the SRS fields.

Turmel said that four tents would be set up for family members of the seniors who are graduating. Each senior will be given six tickets that they can give to their family members. Additional family members are welcome to come, but Turmel said they would not be able to be under the tents.

Willard will be able to physically hand the students their diplomas this year, but Turmel advised that handshakes should still be avoided.

“They’ve waited all year to be together and we are thrilled to provide the opportunity to make some great memories at the end of the year,” said Turmel.

Because of the recent updates to COVID-19 guidelines by Gov. Charlie D. Baker and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Turmel said that the school’s band is working on the logistics of being able to perform during the ceremony.

The School Committee then moved to the topic of approving contracts for school principals. Turmel’s contract was unanimously approved to be extended to June 30, 2024. Powder Mill School Principal Erin Fahey-Carrier’s contract was also extended to the same date.

Athletic Director David Sanschagrin’s contract was extended to June 30, 2022.