Westport’s Board of Education tonight elected Mark Mathias, a 15-year board member, as its chairman by a vote of 6 to 0 with 1 abstention. Mathias abstained.
Mark Mathias: longest serving board member. Contributed photo
Jeannie Smith, acting chairwoman, nominated Mathias, and Elaine Whitney seconded it.
Smith lauded Mathias’ “extensive service to the board and the community.” She cited his launching the schools’ current innovation fund, founding of the annual town wide Maker Faire seven years ago and being an active member of the board’s Strategic Technology Committee.
Though not mentioned tonight, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce in June honored Mathias with its First Citizen Award.
”I’m very honored and humbled to take on this role,” said Mathias, crediting past board chairs and members, plus two schools superintendents, with preparing him for his new role.
Mathias said he sees the board’s goal as “preparing our students for the future …to provide a level of education we can be proud of and afford.”
Smith, who has been serving as acting chairwoman since former Chairman Michael Gordon stepped down in June, was unanimously re-elected vice chairwoman, and the board unanimously elected Elaine Whitney secretary.
