Claremont School Board Seeks to Fill Open Seat

By Noelle Kronberg
EAGLE TIMES EDUCATION REPORTER
The Claremont School Board has a vacant seat after the abrupt resignation of Steven Horsky.

Horsky, who resigned during the board’s June 21 meeting, was elected to a three-year term starting in March 2021. In that time, he has also served as the chair for the School Administrative Unit 6 School Board.

Horsky said in his resignation statement that he joined the school board with the goal of improving student success, adding that he believes that the board has made forward progress. That success added to the difficulty he had in making his resignation decision.

Claremont School Board Chair Heather Whitney said Horsky has refrained from making details public “for the good of the board, and by extension, the district.” However, Horsky did cite “divisive politics and lack of decorum,” as well as personal attacks on him from another board member due to ideological differences as the reason for his resignation.

Horsky left the meeting immediately after reading his resignation and there was no further discussion regarding his statements by the board.

Some board members were visibly surprised, with Bonnie Miles and Whitney Skillen both offering parting words of apology and well wishes.

Other board members appeared stoic or unfazed.

In a later statement, Superintendent Michael Tempesta said he, too, was surprised by Horsky’s resignation, but that he does not feel it is indicative of a larger issues with the board.

“Claremont School Board has always, but particularly now under Chair Heather Whitney’s leadership, emphasized respect, dialogue and the opinions and contributions of all members of the board,” Tempesta said. “The board has been reflective and intentional about being inclusive of everyone’s opinions, as well as creating more efficient methods of self-governance by having each member share responsibility for the work they need to accomplish. Steve Horsky has always worked well with the Claremont board, the SAU 6 board, and our administrative team. That doesn’t mean we have always agreed with all of his perspectives, proposals or viewpoints, but I have always valued and will miss his passion for improving the Claremont Public Schools as well as his direct, no nonsense approaches to problem-solving.”

Horsky is the second Claremont School Board member to resign in the past six months. Joshua Lambert, also elected to a three-year term in March 2021, stepped down earlier this year. Lambert’s decision, however, was due to personal reasons and needing more time to commit to his family. He noted that the climate during his time on the board was “tame” compared to years prior.

When a member resigns, it is up to the board to appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term. Tempesta has posted the position on the SAU website and anyone interested in applying can submit a letter of interest to Chelsea Weatherford, administrative assistant to the superintendent, at 165 Broad St., Claremont, or to [email protected]. Applications are due by July 10 and the board will make their decision at the July 19 regular meeting.