Fran Walton
The Board of Education has a new chairman for the first time in eight years.
Fran Walton, a Democrat who was first elected to the board by fellow board members last February to fill a vacancy, and then won her seat in the town-wide election this month, is the new chair by a unanimous vote of the board Monday evening at the Town Hall Annex.
Board members saluted her for being a good listener and a veteran leader of the Farmingville School PTA.
“You listen to her conversations, she listens to the end and forms an informed opinion. It’s never prejudged. She has a nice calm demeanor. I think she’s a perfect fit,” said board member Scott Mason, who was made vice chairman by a unanimous vote.
Mason is a Republican who was a member of the board from 2003 to 2007, when he served as vice chairman and secretary. Then he was elected a member again in 2013.
Mason was praised by board member Mike Taylor, who was made secretary by a unanimous vote.
“He’s extremely well organized. he gets his information, gathers his thoughts and expressions,” Taylor said of Mason. Taylor is a Democrat elected in 2013.
It’s been a long time since this great an amount of change on the board. The longtime board chairman, Austin Drukker, did not seek re-election after 12 years on the board, with seven years as the chairman. The longtime vice chairman, Chris Murray, abruptly resigned last week despite having been the top vote getter in the election.
All of the new board members and officers got a formal thank you for their enthusiasm by Ian LoCascio, the student representative from Ridgefield High School to the school board.
“Congratulations to all those elected tonight. I look forward to working with you all,” LoCascio said.
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