Elworthy named new School Committee chair

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Kristen Grieco Elworthy was appointed as the School Committee’s new chair during a Sept. 24 meeting.

Elworthy, who was elected to a one-year term on the school board during the April Town Election, succeeded School Committee member Kate DePrizio as chair. DePrizio “reluctantly” stepped down as School Committee chair on Sept. 19 in the wake of her making a series of allegations against School Committee member Jamie Hayman that led to a massive public backlash.

School Committee member Jim Dillon nominated Elworthy, who previously was serving as vice chair, to be chair. School Committee member Jenny Sheehan seconded the motion.

Hayman opposed Elworthy’s nomination.

“After the events of (Sept. 11), I am going to have trouble supporting any of you,” said Hayman. “That is just where I am personally.”

The meeting’s attendees gave Hayman a round of applause.

After the discussion, Dillon, Sheehan and DePrizio joined Elworthy in appointing her as chair. Hayman voted no.

Elworthy appointed Sheehan as vice chair.