Joint Wayland boards appoint Jeanne Downs to fill School Committee vacancy

WAYLAND -- June 20, 2023, Wayland appoints Jeanne Downs to fill open School Committee seat on 7-2 joint vote. The Select Board and School Committee met jointly Tuesday to fill the vacancy left by Jess Palazzotti, choosing Downs over four other applicants for a one-year term ending at the 2024 annual town meeting. School Committee member Ellen Grieco nominated Downs, citing her years running the finance subcommittee and the need for continuity through an interim superintendent and a pending superintendent search; Christina Rodrigues seconded. A competing nomination of Sheetal Akaria drew support from members who cited spring election results favoring "change," with Select Board member Adam Gutbezahl warning the board risked installing "a lame duck for a year, who will be watched like a hawk." Erin Muller cast one of two no votes. Earlier, the board appointed David Wong (Cultural Council), Paul Mornberg (Personnel Board) and Jerry Reed (Economic Development Committee).