Zarrella Resigning from School Committee to Finish Degree in Nation's Capital

Joe Zarrella, a senior at Bridgewater State University, announced Monday night that he is stepping down from the Braintree School Committee before he leaves later this month for a final college semester in Washington, DC.

His resignation, filed with the Town Clerk, takes effect Tuesday. Zarrella said the committee functions best with seven members and he would rather give up his post than be absent for several months and return in May.

"It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve the committee," Zarrella said.

An interim replacement will be appointed by the committee to serve until the next election. The committee will advertise for a potential member and is looking for Braintree residents with a "sincere interest" in serving the school department and town, Superintendent Dr. Peter Kurzberg said.

The superintendent gave Zarrella a commendation Monday night, calling him a "role model for young people who want to be involved in government."

Zarrella's move leaves Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney David Ringius as the committee's youngest member.

"You were always meticulous," Ringius said. "You were a little bit younger, but brought a different perspective."

After coming in fourth in the 2011 town election, Zarrella was appointed to the committee when attorney Kelly Foley refuse to take her seat. He was also appointed to a first term following the 2009 election after Sean Powers was elected to the Town Council and left the committee.

Zarrella majors in political science at Bridgewater. He has served as a legislative aide to Worcester Republican Rep. Ryan Fattman and is working to land an internship in Washington with a think tank, consulting firm or Congressional office.

"You will be missed," Committee Chair Shannon Hume said. "We wish you well."