SHREWSBURY, Massachusetts – In an announcement kicking off tonights regularly scheduled School Committee meeting, fifteen year veteran member, Mark Murray, announced that after completing five terms in office, he will not be seeking re-election this spring, when his term expires.

I’ve always had a tremendous respect for Mark, long before I was elected to serve with him on the Committee, but over the course of the last year and a half of my tenure, I’ve come to learn just what an incredible resource and tireless worker he is for the children of this community.  During his time on the Committee, he has presided over it all, from the opening of Floral Street School, to the renovation of Oak, the building of SHS,  and the approval of the new Sherwood Middle School.   He’s worked to pass 15 budgets, lead override initiatives, and negotiated countless contracts, always leaving all parties feeling the mutual respect that makes the process run smoothly from year to year.

I know I join my colleagues in wishing him well in the next challenges he will inevitably take on, and in thanking him for his 15 years of service to the community….and look forward to learning much more from him in the months left remaining in his term.

Hopefully, this early announcement will encourage some potential candidates to step forward and run for office.  It’s the most challenging job I’ve ever taken on, but also one of the most rewarding.  If anyone is thinking about an interest in the office, please feel free to reach out to me, or any of the members of the Committee, and I know we’d be honored to chat with you about just what the role entails.