Politics & Government

Nichols Dropping School Committee Race, Leaving Empty Slot

Candidates have until Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. to turn in nominating paperwork for Braintree's fall election.

Sarah Nichols, an interim School Committee member who was running for a four-year term on the committee, said Monday that she will not continue her campaign.

Her decision throws a curveball into the local election the day before candidates must deliver their nominating paperwork.

Without Nichols, only two candidates – incumbent David Ringius Jr. and newcomer Cyril A. Chafe – are vying for three four-year School Committee seats. Incumbent Pam Kiley chose not to run again this year and Committee Chair Shannon Hume is running for Councilor-at-Large.

Having an open slot on the November ballot means that a write-in candidate could take the seat, Town Clerk Joe Powers said. 

Powers said that candidates should keep in mind the election process when making decisions such as this. Friday was the deadline for candidates to pick up nominating paperwork, so at this point no one else can join the race.

"I'm disappointed that candidates aren't more forthcoming with information," Powers said.

Nichols said in an email Monday afternoon that she will not return her nominating papers. She said she decided that "now is not the right time for myself and my young family, but I hope to run at some point in the future."

"My decision was solely based on my family and boiled down to time," Nichols said. "At this point I feel that my focus needs to be on my children."

Nichols, a former Rockland teacher, was appointed to fill Joe Zarrella's seat through the Nov. 5 election after he resigned for academic reasons earlier this year. She said she recently accepted a part-time high school history position in Needham. 

"I plan to stay involved with the Braintree schools and feel privileged to have spent these past few months on the school committee," Nichols said. 

Three candidates are seeking to fill the remaining two years of Zarrella's term: Meridith Duffy, co-owner of Braintree After School Enrichment; Kate Naughton, an active volunteer with the Braintree Fund for Education who also applied earlier this year for the vacant seat; and Kieren M. McDonough.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 to return their nominating paperwork. Thursday, Oct. 3 is the last day to object to or withdraw paperwork, and a ballot position lottery will be held Oct. 7.

Powers said that if anyone seeks a write-in campaign, they should inform the Town Clerk's office, announce it publicly and follow state law on sticker size and other details.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here