Michael Flaherty, the vice chair of the Wareham School Committee, announced on Saturday, Jan. 30 that he would not seek reelection in the upcoming Town Election. 

In his statement, he cited additional personal responsibilities that would prevent him from having the time necessary for the position. He also encouraged parents to consider running.

Flaherty’s three-year term ends in 2021, and his decision not to run again leaves his position — one of two up for reelection on the School Committee — open in the Town Election, which will be held on Tuesday, May 4 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Flaherty’s full statement: 

“I'd like to thank everyone who has been asking me if I'm running for reelection to School Committee this year and urging me to do so.

Thanks for all of your support from the beginning and now, but I have decided not to run again.

Some of you may recall that my first term was back in 2012-2015.  I didn't run again back then either and I feel the same way now.  I'm not a career politician (even if only a volunteer one), and I have added responsibilities now in my personal life that won't allow me the time needed, in which the position (and students) deserve. 

I do wish the best to whoever decides to run this year.  As it stands now, there is only one parent (Apryl Rossi) on the five member Committee with a child enrolled in Wareham Public Schools.  I do hope that more parents decide to run and join her, though it's not a requirement.   All that is required is a sincere desire to put students first, and the time available to do so. 

Here's to hoping many answer that call, and I'll be happy to sign your nomination papers.

Yours,

Mike Flaherty”

Unlike Flaherty, committee member Apryl Rossi, who was first elected in 2019, recently pulled nomination papers to run for reelection. She said she hopes to serve on the committee as long as her son, a sophomore, is a student at Wareham High School.

Both Rossi and Flaherty are named as individual defendants in a discrimination lawsuit brought by Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Shaver-Hood against the School Committee and town.

Ronald Besse has also pulled nomination papers and declared his intention to run for one of the open seats on the School Committee. Besse said that with five children ranging in age from 5 months to 13 years old, he is invested in Wareham schools long term.

The two School Committee candidates who receive the most votes will be elected.