There has been a lot of attention on the Sudbury School Committee recently, and that is due to several reasons. But first, what exactly is the committee, and what does it do?
There are currently five members of the Sudbury School Committee: Jessica McCready (Chair), Elizabeth Sues (Vice Chair), Julie Durgin-Sicree, Karyn Jones, and Ellen Lederer-DeFrancesco. Each of these members has overlapping three-year terms. There are multiple duties for the School Committee, including establishing educational goals and policies for the schools, reviewing and approving budgets for public education in the district, and evaluating and selecting the Superintendent. In addition, the School Committee must evaluate the effectiveness of its policies and the Superintendent’s implementation of them.
Additionally, there is a process that accompanies being selected to represent the School Committee. For Julie Durgin-Sicree, her journey was unique. “It’s interesting, at first I wasn’t elected, I was appointed back in December,” says Durgin-Sicree. “I was interviewed by the School Committee and a few members of the Select Board, and then I had to do something called pulling papers. I had to get 50 people to sign nomination papers to be able to be put on the ballot. I also went out and talked to Sudbury residents about my support of LGBTQ+ students and families, and also other goals I had for the committee if I were to be elected.”
As March began and election day approached, Durgin-Sicree had to ensure that she was ready to be up against the other candidates. Just a few weeks before the election, it was clear that the write-in candidate, John Sullivan, had done a lot of work to get recognized. “He had done a number of meet and greet events, and he also had a website. At that point, I felt like I had to set up my campaign a bit more, because I had some competition.” Durgin-Sicree notes.
There have been debates and tensions regarding a lack of trust between the committee and Sudbury residents for the past few years, which in turn spilled into the election. The final count of votes was very close, so much so that the write-in candidate John Sullivan was told on election night that he had won the race. He did not. Sullivan lost by 15 votes, and Durgin-Sicree was then elected to the School Committee after receiving 1,566 votes. This caused an uproar among residents and Sullivan’s supporters. On social media, there were many accusations of election fraud and demands for a recount. Ultimately, Sullivan posted on his Facebook page, “After meeting with the Town Clerk and carefully considering the situation, I have decided that continuing with a recount or pursuing further action would likely be an uphill battle. While there are still questions and frustrations, there has already been enough division and challenge over these past couple of weeks.”
The special town meeting in May followed this controversial election, and to say it was chaotic would be an understatement. Several argue that the behavior at this town meeting was a result of the March election. The much-anticipated meeting began over an hour late, at 8:07 pm, and ran past midnight. All four articles proposed at this meeting passed, including the Vote of No Confidence in the Sudbury School Committee. This vote is essentially symbolic, and doesn’t require the School Committee to do anything; however, it is a rare event and reflects the growing discontent with the committee from Sudbury residents.
Lastly, Brad Crozier, the former Sudbury Public Schools (SPS) Superintendent, will conclude his service to the district at the end of the school year after eight years. In a statement to SPS staff and families, Crozier stated, “I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together. I remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition and wish the district continued success in the years ahead.” When asked about what the School Committee is looking for in a new superintendent, Durgin-Sicree said, “Overall, we want someone who has strong values and a strong drive to give the best experience to students and administrators. Negotiations are in place, and the committee is currently looking at a one-year contract.”
Among everything else that has been questioned about the Sudbury School Committee, its future is certainly worth curiosity. It is important to have hope that the committee can move past the issues and controversies it has faced and acknowledge its vital role in bringing the town of Sudbury together and giving SPS students and families the best possible experience.
