Neville, Grady Chosen to Lead Enfield Board of Education

Exactly two weeks after Election Day, the nine members of the new Enfield Board of Education were sworn into office Tuesday night in an historic ceremony.

Family and friends of the board members filled the Council Chambers at Town Hall, where the panel took the oath of office from Town Clerk Suzanne Olechnicki.

Incumbent Republican Donna Szewczak and Democrat Joyce Hall were joined by Democratic newcomers Tina LeBlanc and Jennifer Rancourt, marking the first time in town history that four women have served simultaneously on the board, according to longtime assistant superintendent Tony Torre.

For the first time since 2007, Democrats gained the majority on the school board, ensuring a new slate of officers would be selected.

Republican Kevin Fealy nominated Hall for chairperson, and Republican Peter Jonaitis then nominated Democrat Tim Neville.

In making his nomination, Jonaitis alluded to the oftentimes tense relationship he had with Neville over the past two decades, during Neville's tenure as principal of John F. Kennedy Middle School.

"I realize I've probably stunned a few people with this nomination," Jonaitis said, "but Tim and I have a combined 76 years of experience in Enfield, and if we can work together, the sky's the limit for this board."

Hall's nomination was defeated by a 6-3 vote. Fealy and fellow Republicans Szewczak and Chuck Johnson voted in favor of her nomination, while Hall herself voted no along with five others.

Neville was elected chairman in another 6-3 vote, with Jonaitis joining Democrats Vincent Grady, Hall, LeBlanc, Rancourt and Neville himself with yes votes.

Neville, who was out of state due to an unexpected death in his family Friday, participated in the meeting via conference call.

"Thanks to Peter for the nomination. Our job is to work together, and we can," Neville said. "People have been incredibly kind through this tragedy for my family this week, and I want to thank everyone."

Rancourt nominated Grady for vice chairman, which passed unanimously. Hall then nominated Szewczak for secretary, which also passed by a 9-0 vote.

Each board member made some brief remarks, which concluded with Grady stating, "We have a very dynamic board this year, facing a lot of new challenges, but we will get through them."

With some kinks still being worked out in the first year of the K-8 reorganization, the forthcoming consolidation of the town's two high schools will be a major project for the current panel.

Prior to the close of the meeting, Grady presented service recognition awards to four outgoing board members: Democrats Stacy Thurston and Judy Apruzzese-Desroches, and Republicans Tom Sirard and Greg Stokes.