Russo named to School Com
Published on September 3rd, 2003
STONEHAM, MA - A joint meeting between the town's School Committee and Board of Selectmen unanimously voted 7-0 last Wednesday night in favor of appointing Stoneham resident Kristen Russo as the newest School Committee member.
Russo will replace former School Committee member David Shields, who resigned from his position early last July to avoid any conflict of interest that might arise from his wife applying for a nursing position within the school system.
"I've grown up in Stoneham my whole life. I was a graduate of Stoneham High and look at this as an opportunity to give back to the school system...I'm very pleased to have this opportunity as this is such a respected board," said Russo, who was immediately sworn into her new post by Town Moderator Michael Rotondi.
Russo, who previously served on the Town's Finance and Advisory Board for three years, claims her number one priority as a School Committee member will be school's 2004 and 2005 budgets.
"Obviously, the budget coming up will be extremely difficult with the changes that have to be made and the shrinking funds," said Russo.
Although Russo was the only candidate who applied for the position, School Committee and Board of Selectmen members spoke highly of Russo, and cited her previous experience as a school teacher in Waltham for five years, and her involvement and interest in municipal affairs as key qualifications for the new post.
"I've served on a few subcommittees with Kristen and I've enjoyed her spunk, honesty, and ability to listen to everything before making a decision. She was also on the Finance Board, so she obviously has a good understanding of the town budget and that will be invaluable to the school committee," remarked School Committee member Cheryl Walsh.
Claiming her time served on the Finance Board will prove a valuable asset to the town, Selectman Tony Kennedy also spoke highly of Russo.
"Kristen has shown that she's an advocate for the school system and at the same time has been able to give some insightful fiscal analysis, especially during the school building construction period. I think she'll be a great help when we start the fiscal budget for 2005," Kennedy commented.
According to School Committee member Mark Grimaldi, although he would have liked to see more candidates apply for the position, he's glad that Russo stepped up to the challenge.
"I think that personally, I'd like to see as much interest as possible for a position like this because the more people we have involved, the better off the town is. I always have an eye on what things I can do to stimulate more interest in the school community because that's one of our jobs too," said Grimaldi.
"I will say this though, [Kristen's] a great addition to the board and comes to the committee with tremendous talent, significant experience, and a real handle on the current issues in our school systems. We're real fortunate to have someone with her experience, come to the board," he added.
According to Walsh, the school committee looks for several characteristics in one of its members.
"I think you usually look for a person with vision, a person who's flexible, and someone who's a team player. She was a school teacher, so she'll certainly be able to help us with programs and initiatives on the educational level. Honestly, given the fact we're in such a budget crisis statewide, I would say it really takes a special person to give us their personal and family time to serve on a school committee like this," said Walsh.
According to Stoneham School Superintendent Joseph Connelly, the decision to fill a school committee post lies completely in the hands of the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee when a former member resigns.
"The school department is not involved, it's strictly a Board of Selectmen and School Committee decision. I can't stress enough that the school administration is not involved in this," explained Connelly, who said he was encouraged by Russo's appointment.
Russo will serve in Shield's previous position until this April, when new elections to fill the position will be held.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!