New School Board Member is Sworn In

Gallup Hill School PTO President Stephanie Calhoun was sworn in as the newest member of the Ledyard Board of Education Wednesday. She replaces member Paul Kunkemoeller, who is relocating to Groton.

Since last fall Calhoun has served as an at-large community member of the school board's Policy Committee. A mother of four children, she also is a regular contributor to the Ledyard Patch Moms Council.

Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Graner called Calhoun a civic-minded parent who has been a "driving force" at Gallup Hill School in her role as PTO leader. "I can just say she's been very active in school affairs and we're very lucky to have her."

Graner also said the board is lucky to have found a replacement for Kunkemoeller, a Democrat, in such a timely manner. He credited the Democratic Town Committee, which met this week and presented Calhoun as the nominee, in accordance with the board's bylaws.

Calhoun was interviewed by school board members prior to Wednesday's regular meeting. At the meeting she was sworn in  by Town Clerk Calvin Brouwer.

In fact, Calhoun became the sixth member at the meeting. "She allowed us to have a quorum," Garner said.

Calhoun will serve at least until November, when her name will appear on the ballot as a Democratic candidate for a full term on the Board of Education.

In other news, the school board approved fees for the coming year. Tuition and facilities use fees did not change, but lunch fees rose by 10 cents per meal. Elementary school lunches rose from $2.25 to $2.35, and lunches at the middle and high schools went from $2.75 to $2.85.