MELROSE — School Committee Chair Dorie Withey announced earlier this week that the demands of a new job will not allow her to seek reelection on November 4.
In a letter to the Weekly News, Withey writes, in part, “I have recently accepted a new professional opportunity and the demands of this new role will prevent me from continuing to serve in the capacity our schools deserve. While I look forward to this next chapter, stepping away from the committee is not easy.
“Over the past four years, I have been continually inspired by the dedication of our educators, the resilience of our students, and the deep engagement of our families. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my fellow committee members, district leadership, teachers, staff, and the many community members I have had the opportunity to work alongside. It has been a true privilege to serve our schools and community,” Withey’s letter read.
As a result of her withdrawal from this fall’s race, there are four candidates seeking three four-year terms on the School Committee in the November 4 city election. Incumbent Jennifer G. Razi-Thomas is joined by Sheryl Leigh Frost Leo, Melissa Holleran and Camarie E. Clark in the School Committee contest.
All four candidates have had the signatures on their nomination papers certified by the city.
In the race for City Council, current President Leila Migliorelli, a councilor-at-large, is not a candidate for reelection either.
Here is the field for the 2025 city election:
COUNCILOR-AT-LARGE
Ryan Williams (incumbent), Maya Jamaleddine (incumbent), Jason Chen, Dionysios Kaskarelis, Elizabeth Kowal
COUNCILOR WARD 1
Manjula Karamcheti (incumbent)
COUNCILOR WARD 2
John C. Obremski (incumbent)
COUNCILOR WARD 3
Robert Stewart (incumbent), Christopher Park
COUNCILOR WARD 4
Ward Hamilton, Philip Gindi, William Bradley Freeman
COUNCILOR WARD 5
Kim Vandiver (incumbent)
COUNCILOR WARD 6
Cal Finocchiaro (incumbent)
COUNCILOR WARD 7
Alex Rodriquez, Devin Romanul (incumbent)
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Sheryl Leigh Frost Leo, Melissa Holleran, Jennifer G. Razi-Thomas (incumbent) and Camarie E. Clark.
The final day to obtain nomination papers was Friday, Sept. 12. The last day to submit nomination papers to the Registrars of Voters for signature certification was Tuesday, Sept. 16.
On Wednesday, Oct. 1 the list of candidates will be posted at 4 p.m. The next day, at 5 p.m., will be the last chance to object or withdraw from the election.
The important drawing for ballot position takes place on Friday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.
The last day to register to vote in the November election will be Saturday, Oct. 25. The same day is the first day of Early Voting, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot (absentee or early) for the November election will be Wednesday, Oct. 29. The last day to vote early is Friday, Oct. 31.
Monday, Nov. 3 at noon is the last day and time to apply for in-person absentee ballots.
The election will take place at the Veterans Memorial Middle School gym from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In addition to choosing elected officials this fall, voters will be facing three questions concerning an override of Proposition 2 1/2.