Lehane Joins Region 17 School Board

Killingworth residents elected Democrat Jamie Lehane to fill a vacancy on the Region 17 Board of Education, voting 94 to 87 during a town meeting Monday night.

About 200 residents attended the special meeting. Republican James Lippert had also sought to fill the vacancy but lost his bid to do so at the meeting. Lippert is a former school board member who also lost his re-election bid last year in the general election.

The special election was called to fill a vacancy on the board created by the recent resignation of the board’s chair, Keith Kelsey.

“The most touching moment of the evening was the appearance of Keith Kelsey, the former Board Chair, who had recently resigned for personal reasons. He received the warmest applause. Both candidates recognized his service and thanked him. Many in the audience waited in line to personally speak with Keith and pay their respects,” said board member Susan Dean, who attended the meeting.

Lehane has lived in Killingworth for 25 years and his three children have attended the public schools here. Lehane has been active in town on various commissions and boards.

The regional school board meets tonight and will elect a new chairman.