SOUTHWICK – After five interviews and an extensive discussion between the current school committee members and the Select Board, Amy Stack was nominated and then selected to fill a vacant position on the school committee for the upcoming 2017-18 school year.
Stack fills the position previously held by Kelly Clendenin who resigned this past May. Stack will assume that position until the annual town election in 2018.
Town officials conducted the interviews and noted several times that all five interviewees were strong candidates. Three of the candidates received nominations to be selected for the position and Stack was happy to find out she was chosen.
“I feel so honored and I’m very excited,” said Stack.
The school committee features a number of current or former teachers or educators and Stack brings a unique set of skills to the committee.
Working in corporate America for the last 7 years at Oliver Healthcare Packaging in Connecticut, where she works in sales, Stack has a strong business background. Graduating from Westfield State in 2006, stack received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and then got her Master’s degree at Bay Path University in Communication Information Management in 2009.
Amy Stack was selected on Monday night as the newest appointed member of the school committee. (Photo courtesy of Amy Stack)
Perhaps the most valuable experience that Stack can bring to the table is the fact that she has children: a daughter who attends Woodland School and a son who will be going to pre-kindergarten this year.
“I’m really passionate about their education and wanting to ensure they get the best education possible,” said Stack regarding the reason why she was interested in the position.
Since there has been change in the school district over the past year with a new Superintendent and the closing of the Granville Village School, Stack is looking forward to helping the school committee improve bringing the culture of the school district together.
Stack believes that it will lead to what is the single most important aspect to a school district.
“You always have to continuously improve and try to make ourselves better for the betterment of our children,” said Stack.
The town officials who were a part of making the final decision to select Stack were also pleased to officially have her on board.
“I think she’s going to be a great school committee member,” said Select Board Clerk Russ Fox. “I think she’s going to offer a different point of view maybe than some other members.”
Superintendent Jen Willard, who was in attendance for the interviews on Monday night, is looking forward to having Stack on the school committee.
“We’re just excited to have a new member and work with her and see new ideas she has,” said Willard. “Anyone who comes in with a new idea and a different perspective, I like that.”
The first school committee meeting for the upcoming 2017-18 school year will be on August 22.
