Westborough’s annual town elections are coming up on Tuesday, March 11th—so it’s a great time for our staff and students over 18 years old to exercise their right to vote. For those who don’t know much about the candidates for the Select Board and School Committee, here is a list of their names and some notable information about them.
Select Board
A lot of us here at WHS have not really thought about the Select Board or its purpose prior to turning 18. So, what is the Select Board? The Select Board is the five chief executive officers of the town. Essentially, their job is to manage the town’s budget, enact contracts, and appoint different positions. In this year’s election, there are four candidates running for the two available seats on the board. You can read more about their platforms in their statements for the Community Advocate, but here are some quick summaries of their major viewpoints.
Kelly Collins: Many readers may recognize this candidate as Mr. Collins, a former WHS math teacher. His platform is based on keeping Westborough residents informed and encouraging voter participation. He also has concerns about the town budget and responsible spending.
Boyd Conklin: One of Conklin’s aims for his election is to dismantle the group mindsets that he asserts are currently controlling the town. He also references the theory of “globohomo” and DEI policies within the town’s management.
Mark Silverberg: Silverberg, a former member of the Planning Board, aims to make informed and thoughtful decisions. In his statement for the Community Advocate, he recognizes the importance of the choices the Select Board will face, and how efficient communication and creative solutions can assist in those choices.
Patrick J. Welch: Welch is the only candidate running for re-election. He is interested in connecting with Westborough residents of all backgrounds and understanding their needs. He wants to continue to support different local volunteer organizations and regulate responsible spending.
School Committee
As residents directly impacted by the decisions of Westborough’s School Committee, it is especially important for us to play a role in this election. The School Committee is tasked with overseeing the education of Westborough’s youth. They set goals for the school system, and monitor the budget.
Anjana Chennagiri: Chennagiri is a parent of students within the Westborough School system. She appreciates the diverse and supportive environment created by our schools and wants to use her insight surrounding challenges within the Westborough community to aid her decisions as a part of the School Committee. Her three main goals are to address financial challenges, bridge the post-pandemic learning gap, and advocate for mental health services.
Boyd Conklin: Conklin, a parent to two sons in WPS, wants to reduce the spread of “globohomo” in our schools. He also expresses concerns in his statement about funding and is opposed to hiring on the basis of diversity. He is running for both Sthe chool Committee and Select Board.
Stephen Doret: Doret is the only School Committee candidate running for re-election. If elected, he will continue his 21-year run on the School Committee. He has served in many different Westborough managing positions, like the Planning Board and Select Board. His goals include negotiating contracts to keep both staff and taxpayers happy and to provide students with the resources they require for success in any field they choose.
Kris Kumsi: Kumsi, a parent to two daughters, emphasizes the importance of giving every student a high-quality education, regardless of their background. Three of his goals are to prioritize student mental health, wisely manage the school budget, and build up STEM opportunities for younger students.
Jane Owens: Owens, a professor and assistant dean at Northeastern University and a parent to Westborough students is hoping to give back to the community that she feels very grateful for. Her main concerns include budgeting, preparation for higher education, and student mental health. She has served in the past on Westborough’s Council on Aging.
This election provides Westborough residents with the opportunity to voice their concerns and hopes for the future of our community. Voting will be held on Tuesday, March 11th, in the WHS gym.
Sources:
https://www.communityadvocate.com/2025/02/27/meet-westboroughs-select-board-candidates/
https://www.westboroughk12.org/school-committee
https://www.communityadvocate.com/2025/02/26/meet-westboroughs-school-committee-candidates/
