VIDEO: RSD 17 Board of Education Appoints New Chair

At Tuesday's RSD 17 Board of Education meeting, a new chair was elected to fill the vacancy left by the recent resignation of the board’s chair, .

Prior to the vote, comments were heard from the board members as to why each of the two members seeking the position should be appointed. One of the concerns centered around the long-held tradition that the chair position should rotate every two years between a Haddam resident member and a Killingworth resident member.

"I was just elected last night...by seven votes. I am torn because I know the tradition is long standing," said newly elected board member. 

"I believe it is Killingworth's turn and I would like to finish out the two years," said Karen Perry.

, however, felt strongly that the board needed to think beyond town separation.

"We have to look at it as one board of education...my concern is we've become about town. We have never talked town. It makes me sad it's not about the kids," she said.

The board voted by open roll call and appointed Perry.