WESTFIELD – A special joint meeting of the Westfield School Committee and the Westfield City Council will be held on Monday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in Council chambers to fill the vacancy on the School Committee left by the passing of Kevin J. Sullivan. Candidates were given until Friday, Dec. 14 to submit a letter of interest. Two candidates, former School Committee member and Northampton Public Schools teacher assistant Jeffrey L. Gosselin and Barry (Bo) Sullivan, Executive Director of the Irish Cultural Center in West Springfield and a 15-year board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield, have submitted letters of interest.
Jeffrey L. Gosselin. (WNG file photo)
In his letter, Gosselin describes himself as a “recognized expert in the work of counseling and public education,” saying he is “specially fitted by education, training, and experience” to perform the duties of the School Committee. Gosselin previously served a partial term on the School Committee in 2007, and a full term from 2013 to 2017. In November of 2017 he ran as a candidate, but lost the election.
In addition to his service on the School Committee, Gosselin previously served as an Adjunct Faculty member at Westfield State University, a teacher in the Springfield Public Schools, and a counselor and program supervisor at the Carson Center. In Feb., 2018, Gosselin was appointed to serve on the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities, where he was elected secretary.
A lifelong Westfield resident, Gosselin received an Associate’s degree in liberal arts & science from Holyoke Community College in 1989, a bachelor’s of science in elementary education from American International College in 1991, and a master’s in higher education administration from Springfield College in 1996, as well as several certifications. He holds Professional Education Licensure in Mass.
“If called to serve on the School Committee, I would advocate for policies and legislation that are in the best interest of our youth, schools, community, and vibrant future. I promise to do the best I can,” wrote Gosselin.
Bo Sullivan (WNG File Photo)
Bo Sullivan began his letter of interest by addressing his reason for running.
“The position is vacant due to passing of my brother Kevin J. Sullivan who was serving his 11th year on the School Committee, having one year left on his current four year term. I believe Kevin was an effective advocate for the Westfield Public School System, and the children, parents, and residents of the community. He was a role model for residents who seek to give back to their community through public service. I would be honored to continue his legacy by completing his term and giving back to the community that has given so much to me and my family,”
Regarding his experience for the position, Sullivan said before accepting the leadership position as executive director of the Irish Cultural Center, he was employed as a radio talk show host at WHYN for over 20 years. At the Boys and Girls Club, he served nine of the 15 years as president of the board of directors, during a $3 million expansion of before and after school programs for city youth.
Sullivan graduated from Westfield High School in 1985, and from the University of Hartford with a degree in communications in 1989. He is married to Kris Sullivan, and their daughters Leighanne and Shannon both currently attend four year colleges, having recently graduated from Westfield High School and the Westfield Public School System.
“If appointed, I promise to be a dedicated and hardworking member of the committee,” Sullivan wrote.
The order of the agenda for Monday’s Special Joint Meeting of the School Committee and City Council is an introduction by each candidate, selection of the voting order, and election of the candidate to fill the seat.
