Holly Morris elected RSU 73 school board chair in 6–5 roll call; Michelle Moffatt chosen vice chair

Holly Morris was elected chair of the RSU 73 school board after a contested roll-call vote that passed 6–5.

Morris accepted the nomination and told the board she would prioritize communication, transparency and greater engagement with parents, teachers and students if members selected her. "If you guys would have me as chair, I would accept the nomination," Morris said when asked about her willingness to serve.

The motion to nominate Morris was followed by a period of discussion in which members asked nominees about goals and leadership style. Don Emery was nominated as an alternative and said he would work to ensure all sides are heard. After the board recorded individual votes, Morris secured the chairmanship by a single-vote margin.

At the same meeting the board nominated and elected Michelle Moffatt as vice chair. Moffatt had provided a written letter indicating she would accept the nomination if appointed; members discussed potential candidates and Moffatt won a majority on the roll call.

Why it matters: Board leadership determines meeting flow, committee assignments and who sets short-term priorities. Newly elected officers will preside over committee selections and sign required referendum and warrant documents moving forward.

The board made several administrative motions and accepted upcoming committee assignments before adjourning; members were reminded to sign certified referendum documents prior to leaving.