Ashland Select Board reorganizes leadership after May election override passage.
Ashland Select Board restructures after voters back override. Brandi Kinsman was unanimously elected Chair, Claudia Bennett Vice Chair, and Makeda Keegan Clerk following the May 19 election that approved a $2.75 million operational override for the Ashland Public Schools by 1,778 to 1,128 votes.
Select Board · Meeting of May 20, 2026
Ashland Select Board restructures after voters back override. Brandi Kinsman was unanimously elected Chair, Claudia Bennett Vice Chair, and Makeda Keegan Clerk following the May 19 election that approved a $2.75 million operational override for the Ashland Public Schools by 1,778 to 1,128 votes. Town Manager Michael Herbert presented a plan to establish a Buildings and Grounds Department independent of the Department of Public Works, with a Director position at approximately $145,000 and an additional Maintenance Technician for $55,000; board members requested further information on utilities and contracted-services impacts before approving.
The board voted unanimously to adopt a Donated Bench Policy establishing vendor standards, approved locations, and a $1,500 installation fee; athletic-field maintenance responsibility transfers to the School Department effective July 1, 2026.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 343 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of May 20, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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