Reading, MA — School Committee member Gary Nihan announced at the end of the November 6 meeting that he would be resigning his seat on the committee. “After personal reflection and discussion with my family, there is no way I can be an effective member of the School Committee.” Nihan commented. Nihan has had kidney disease since 2007, and is now in need of a kidney transplant. He shared that he will be undergoing home dialysis that will take place in the evenings. He thanked the residents who supported him in his candidacy and also expressed his support for a potential Proposition 2 1/2 override next spring.
Nihan has served on the school committee for 2 1/2 years and his term is due to expire next spring. He has been a teacher and coach in the Reading Public Schools for many years and was referred to by committee member Elaine Webb as a “passionate spokesperson for health education in the schools.” Members of the school committee expressed their concern for him, thanked him for his service on the committee, and for his years of dedication to the school system.
The School Committee has the option to replace Nihan on the committee or to wait for the April 2018 election. If they choose to fill the seat, a joint meeting with the board of selectmen will interview candidates and appoint by majority vote.
