Recall Provision and School Committee No-Confidence Petition

Citizen petitions led to the placement of two articles on the warrant for the May 2026 Special Town Meeting. Article 3 proposed adding a recall provision to the town charter. Article 4 proposed a no-confidence vote against the School Committee.

At its May 5, 2026 meeting the Select Board considered positions on the citizen petitions. The board voted 1-4 against supporting Article 3 and 1-4 against supporting Article 4.

The Special Town Meeting convened on May 20, 2026. After debate and failed amendments on Article 3, the meeting passed the recall provision by majority vote. Article 4 also passed by more than a majority.

Following the town meeting, the Select Board met on June 2, 2026 to review the certified petition results and a legal memorandum from KP Law on the recall special act process. The board voted unanimously to release the memo and to amend letters to state representatives to include the board's statement of opposition to Article 3.

The petitions originated from concerns over governance accountability. Proponents viewed the measures as tools to address alleged violations and instability. Opponents argued the measures were poorly drafted and that accountability belongs at the ballot box.

The Select Board has stated it is not legally compelled to forward the certified votes to the legislature but may choose to do so.

At its June 30, 2026 meeting the Select Board received a legislative update from Senator Eldridge and Representative Gentile noting that a hearing on the recall bill is scheduled for July 21, with concerns raised about signature thresholds and timing. A resident thanked the legislators for advancing the recall article and asked whether the Select Board would support the measure despite its prior disagreement.