BCAT News

Following the conclusion of Burlington’s Annual Town Election, several of the town’s governing boards have reorganized their leadership for the year ahead.

On the Select Board, member Jim Tigges was unanimously elected as Chair. Tigges, who was first elected in 2017, is beginning his fourth term following this year’s election. He previously served as Chair from 2021 to 2022. Sarah Cawley was unanimously elected as Vice-Chair. Cawley was first elected in 2024.

On the School Committee, Katherine Bond, who previously served as Vice-Chair, was nominated by Meghan Nawoichik to serve as Chair. The nomination was seconded by Christine Monaco and approved unanimously. Bond, who was re-elected this year, is now beginning her third term. She previously served as Chair from 2022 to 2023.

For the position of Vice-Chair, Jeremy Brooks was nominated by Melissa Massardo, while Meghan Nawoichik was nominated by Christine Monaco, with Nawoichik seconding the nomination. During the discussion, Brooks raised concerns about the recent shift away from the precedent of promoting members based on tenure and expressed his interest in returning to that approach.

Monaco explained her nomination, noting that both candidates were qualified, and that Nawoichik had asked for her support. She also pointed out that Brooks currently serves as Chair of the Marshall Simonds Field Project Subcommittee and as the School Committee’s representative to the Recreation Commission, roles she expected he would continue in. Nawoichik thanked Brooks for his service on the Recreation Commission and expressed hope that he would continue in that role.

Bond, Monaco, and Nawoichik voted in favor of Nawoichik for Vice-Chair, while Brooks and Massardo voted against. Nawoichik was elected Vice-Chair by a 3 to 2 vote. Brooks was later unanimously voted to continue representing the School Committee on the Recreation Commission.

The Board of Health also reorganized, unanimously re-electing Gayle DaMore as Chair and Andrea Sheehan as the new Vice-Chair, with Maribeth Welch stepping down.