Greenwich School Board Elects New Leader

Democrat Laura Erickson, who was elected to the Greenwich school board in 2013, ousted Republican Barbara O’Neill as board chairman Thursday night.

Erickson’s election was made possible by Republican Peter Sherr’s crossing of the party lines, setting the table for the ouster of O’Neill, who was elected chairman two years ago when Sherr first crossed party lines and defeated the reelection of then Republican board member Steve Anderson as chair.

Erickson won the chairmanship in a 5-3 decision, after she was nominated by fellow Democrat Jennifer Dayton, according to Greenwich Time. Erickson, Dayton and the board’s two other Democrats, Gaetane Francis, who was elected on Nov. 3, and Debbie Appelbaum, voted for Erickson.

Sherr also created controversy back in 2011 when he voted to support Democrat Leslie Moriarty as board chair.

Republican Peter Bernstein nominated O’Neill for a third year as chairman, supported by newly-elected Republican board member Lauren Rabin.

The board is now facing major decisions including how to proceed with the New Lebanon School project.

The Greenwich Time story can be found here.

PHoto: Greenwich Democrat Laura Erickson on election night 2013 when she won her first term to the Board of Education. Credit: Barbara Heins.