Six-term incumbent Connie Barr has decided to end her campaign for re-election to the School Committee.
“I have decided to withdraw from the race for the Needham School Committee. This is a very recent and difficult decision,” she wrote in a statement on her campaign website in which she also pledged support for her two fellow incumbents, Andrea Longo Carter and Alisa Skatrud, as well as newcomer Sri Baqri.
“A candidate has emerged who is well positioned to bring a fresh voice and new perspective to the table,” Barr wrote of Baqri, who is one of three challengers seeking the three seats that are being contested this year on the seven-member committee.
The other two candidates are Scott Marder and Leanne Ratti. “It seems to me that all the people running are intensely interested in children,” said Barr. She said she felt Baqri “has a real interest in how we (school committee members) function in this role. She just seems to have a very open mind to the thoughts and needs of others.”
The ballots for the April 8 election have already been printed and have been mailed to all those who requested the opportunity to vote by mail. Barr’s name will remain at the top of the ballot along with the other five candidates. Barr said the fact voting has effectively begun influenced her timing “to some extent. I’m certainly aware of it.”
The five remaining school board candidates are expected to participate in the League of Women Voters of Needham Candidates Night on Monday at the Broadmeadow School Performance Center.
The forum begins at 7 p.m. and will also include panel discussions featuring the candidates for Select Board and Planning Board.
Watch live on TV or on the Needham Channel website. Register to attend live Zoom event.
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