Volunteers needed: School board looks to fill two openings
July 1, 2021 | HUUSD School BoardEditor’s note: This post was updated with a revised deadline of July 18 for applications for the Waterbury position.
To the Waterbury and Duxbury communities:
The HUUSD School Board is seeking new representatives from both Waterbury and Duxbury after recent resignations by two elected directors. The board is hoping to appoint replacements this summer who would serve until Town Meeting Day in March 2022. (If the appointees would like to serve beyond that date, they would then run for re-election on Town Meeting Day.)
It’s an interesting time to be on the school board -- especially as we head towards putting a bond before voters in November, hire a new superintendent, and continue to plan for the long-term configuration of schools in the district. Members of the current school board (which could include you!) will make decisions in the coming months that will set the course for our district for years to come.
The school board typically meets 2 to 3 times per month, on Wednesday evenings, for about 3 hours at a time. There are often a couple hours of reading prep in advance of each meeting. Meetings will return to being mostly in-person for Board members and are held in the library at Harwood. No previous Board experience is necessary, but an open mind and interest in learning about the way school boards work are important!
Being on the school board can be a challenging volunteer experience at the same time that it offers a chance to make a meaningful difference for residents and families in all six of our towns. School boards are an important part of Vermont’s local governance tradition as well as an important way that we keep Vermont’s current governing structures vital and effective. School board members learn a lot about our community, education funding and policy, and the democratic process.
There is more information about the district and the Board at huusd.org, and you will find answers to frequently asked questions (“Join the School Board FAQ”) under the Board heading here: huusd.org/board-information.
To apply for the Duxbury position, interested applicants should send a letter of interest to myself (tcsmith@huusd.org) and to Superintendent Brigid Nease (bnease@huusd.org) by July 10. The Board has scheduled a special meeting to appoint a replacement on July 14.
For the Waterbury position, applicants should send a letter of interest to myself (tcsmith@huusd.org) and to the superintendent (bnease@huusd.org) by July 18. The Board will announce a date for a special meeting to make that appointment.
Thank you so much for considering, and please be in touch with any questions.
Torrey Smith, Duxbury
Chair, HUUSD School Board