School Committee Appoints New Member Amid Budget Concerns

Rachel Hughes chosen to fill vacant seat, bringing municipal finance experience

HANOVER, MA - June 26 - The Hanover Select Board and School Committee voted 7-2 Wednesday night to appoint Rachel Hughes to fill a vacant School Committee seat until May 2025, citing her budgetary expertise as crucial for upcoming financial challenges.

Hughes, who previously served on the town's Advisory Committee, was chosen from a field of six candidates to serve the remaining 10 months of the term. The appointment came after extensive discussion about the need for someone who could contribute immediately to the committee's work.

"We need somebody who can hit the ground running with a very small learning curve," said School Committee Chair Pete Miraglia. He emphasized the importance of appointing someone familiar with municipal government processes, particularly given the potential for a proposed override budget in the coming year.

Select Board member Vanessa O'Connor echoed this sentiment, stating, "Where this is such a short on-ramp period...I think that ability to jump right in and that experience with all of the broader budgeting process in the town...I think that is a really strong experience that can't be discounted."

The joint meeting began with an opportunity for public comment, though no residents spoke. The boards then discussed the qualities they were seeking in a candidate before narrowing the field to four top contenders: Hughes, Megan Campia, Christopher Tracy, and Jim O'Brien.

Hughes' experience on the Advisory Committee was repeatedly cited as a key factor in her favor. One School Committee member noted, "Being on the budget subcommittee, I was able to observe Rachel and all members of the ADCOM. Frankly, I think ADCOM is probably the most difficult and time-consuming board that we have in town."

However, the decision was not unanimous. Select Board member Steve Louko argued for considering a candidate with a fresh perspective, suggesting that the town needs to "look at where the money's going and where you can find savings." He expressed support for Jim O'Brien, praising his technical background and analytical skills.

Select Board member John Tuzik advocated for Megan Campia, noting her experience running for School Committee in the recent election and her background in special education. "Well done," Tuzik said of Campia's 20% vote share in that race.

The discussion briefly became heated when Louko raised questions about special education spending, with other board members pushing back against what they viewed as insensitive comments.

Ultimately, School Committee member Ryan Hall made the motion to appoint Hughes, which was quickly seconded. The roll call vote resulted in 7 ayes and 2 nays, with Louko and Tuzik dissenting.

Following the vote, O'Connor thanked all the candidates for their interest and encouraged them to stay involved with town government. She also noted that efforts would be made to swear in Hughes as quickly as possible so she could begin participating in School Committee business.