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WESTPORT, Conn. – For the past two years, Westport resident Elaine Whitney has served as the secretary of Westport’s Board of Education. Now, she sits at the head of the table as the board’s newest chairman.
Whitney, a Democrat who was elected to the board in 2009, was unanimously voted in as chairman Monday night by the other six members of the board after she was nominated for the position by acting Chairman Jim Marpe.
Marpe, who’s served as chairman since August when then-Chairman Don O’Day resigned, announced he was stepping down from the board to pursue his campaign for First Selectman in next year’s municipal campaign. Before he became acting chairman, Marpe was the vice chairman for five years. His resignation was effective as of noon Tuesday.
The board also elected Republican Mike McGovern as its new vice chairman and Democrat Michael Gordon as secretary.
With Marpe’s resignation, there is an open seat on the board. As Marpe was a Republican, the seat is open to all registered Republicans.
Interested applicants must be willing to be interviewed separately by the Westport Republican Town Committee and the board; must be available for an interview with the board on Sunday, Dec. 16, in late afternoon or early evening; and be willing to serve immediately upon appointment. The new member will likely be appointed at the board’s Dec. 17 meeting.
The deadline to submit application letters is Dec. 11 at noon. Letters can be submitted by email, mail or in person to board Secretary Michael Gordon at: mgordon@westport.k12.ct.us, or Michael Gordon, Secretary, Board of Education, Town of Westport, Town Hall, Room 307 110 Myrtle Avenue Westport, CT 06880
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