As vice-chairwoman of the School Committee, Denise Hurst appointed members to serve on eight standing subcommittees.
SPRINGFIELD – The School Committee had its annual organizational meeting on Monday, with its newly elected vice-chairwoman, Denise Hurst, saying she foresees “a phenomenal year” ahead.
“I think that the new year is really exciting, particularly because the data shows we are moving in the right direction,” Hurst said, shortly after the meeting. “We really need to do our due diligence in making sure that our future generation is equipped with the quality education that they need.”
The students must be “first and foremost” in all decisions, Hurst said.
Hurst was elected unanimously by committee members to the leadership position, and was nominated by member Peter Murphy, who served as vice-chairman in 2013.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who as mayor automatically serves as School Committee chairman, said education is the key to solving urban challenges such as public safety and poverty.
“We are moving in the right direction,” Sarno said, agreeing with Hurst there is much more to be done.
The School Committee welcomed and congratulated the its two newest members, elected in November.
Calvin McFadden was elected to an at-large seat on the School Committee, defeating Antonette Pepe.
In addition, Rosa Perez was elected to the District 1 seat on the committee, defeating Norman Roldan.
Other members re-elected were Christopher Collins, Peter Murphy, Barbara Gresham, and Hurst.
Hurst, as vice-chairwoman, named her selections for eight subcommittees.
Collins was appointed chairman of the budget and finance committee and the buildings and maintenance committee. He also serves on the legislative and contracts committee.
Gresham was appointed chairwoman of the school safety committee and the student, parent concerns committee. She also serves on the curriculum and programs, and vocational education committees.
Hurst will serve as chairwoman of curriculum and programs, and also serves on the technology Committee.
McFadden was appointed chairman of the Legislative & Contracts Committee and also serves on Budget & Finance, and Student, Parent Concerns, and Technology.
Murphy was appointed chairman of Technology; and will serve on Budget & Finance, School Safety, and Legislative and Contracts.
Perez was appointed chairwoman of Vocational Education and will also serve on Buildings & Maintenance, School Safety, and Student, Parent Concerns.