LUDLOW — Resident Amanda Codding was announced as the appointee for the vacancy on the Ludlow School Committee following a joint vote of the School Committee and Board of Selectmen on May 28.
At the joint meeting, the School Committee and Board of Selectmen interviewed seven candidates for the position, as per the town bylaws, and selected Codding through a majority vote. The position initially became vacant following Joao Dias’ resignation announcement during the School Committee’s April 9 meeting.
During an initial vote following the seven interviews, Codding only received two votes of the nine members from the two committees. Candidate Isabel Soares received four votes during this vote while Chad Mullin received three votes. Soares previously ran against Sarah Bowler in the March 25 election, receiving 1,270 votes to Bowler’s 2,108.
Following this vote, motions were made to appoint Soares and Mullins, respectively, in additional votes. However, neither received a majority in favor. In a third additional vote, Codding received five votes in favor and four votes against her appointment.
After receiving legal consultation, the School Committee and Board of Selectmen released a joint statement on May 30 confirming that the vote to select Codding was official. School Committee Chair Sarah Bowler later confirmed that Codding had been contacted with the news.
During her interview, Codding explained that she worked as an instructional specialist at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy in Springfield, highlighting her experience working in different school environments such as a magnet school, charter school, vocational school and public school. She is also the parent of two Ludlow High School students graduating this year and has nieces and nephews in Ludlow schools, Codding said.
“Really why I’m here is because I think I can offer that experience,” she said, referencing her knowledge of the Springfield and Ludlow School Departments. Codding stated that she had intended to run for the School Committee in the upcoming election.
When asked about her view of education in the town, Codding emphasized the importance of students being “21st century learner[s]” through knowledge of modern technology, applicable life skills, experience in finance and appropriate communication skills. She also highlighted the need to balance family input with student involvement in the schools and stated that there were multiple issues for the School Committee to consider, noting equity and curriculum. Concerning the role of School Committee members, Codding stated that members should set “higher level goals and objectives” for the School Department while also working with the superintendent.
To officially join the School Committee, Codding must first be sworn into the position by the Town Clerk prior to the next committee meeting, Board of Selectmen member Antonio Goncalves said at the meeting.
