Demers Won't Run For Reelection To Woburn School Committee

WOBURN, MA — Joe Demers, a former legislative aid and lifelong Woburn resident, won't run for reelection to the school committee. Demers made his announcement on social media Wednesday, saying it had been a "great run" and that the decision was made with a "heavy heart." Demers had been on the board since 2013.

"It truly is an honor when people who are your neigbors entrust you with the important role of overseeing the education of our futures," Demers, a 2003 Woburn Memorial High School graduate, said. "It is now time for me to step away to focus on my career and personal life."

Demers finished third in last year's Democrtaic primary for the 30th Middlesex District seat in the state House of Representatives. That race and the general election was won by former Woburn City Councilor Rich Haggerty. Demers had hoped to succeed James J. Dwyer, who retired. Demers had been Dwyer's legislative aide for a decade before Dwyer stepped down.

Demers acknowledged the "late nature" of his decision. Candidates in Woburn have until 5 p.m. on July 23 to return signatures on their nomination papers to get their name on the ballot. As of July 10, the following candidates had taken out nomination papers:

Patricia E. Chisholm *
Colleen Cormier *
Andrew Lipsett *
John M. Wells *
Ellen Crowley *
Michael Scire
Charles Viola

Note: Candidates listed in bold type are up for reelection. An asterisk (*) signifies candidates who have returned their nomination papers and will be listed on the ballot.

Incumbent Rick Metter had not taken out nomination papers as of July 10. Christopher Kisiel and Michael Mulrenanwere elected to four-year terms in 2017 by receiving the highest number of votes and are not up for reelection until 2021. An earlier version of this story said Kisiel and Mulrenan were up for reelection this year. Patch regrets the error.