Mariagraciela Vargas-Baker chosen to fill empty School Committee seat

Mariagraciela Vargas-Baker was unanimously chosen as the newest School Committee member Tuesday night by a joint meeting of the Select Board and School Committee.

Vargas-Baker, a school psychologist in both Worcester and Westborough, drew praise from members of both boards for her unique perspective into public schools. The child of two educators from Chile who immigrated when she was young, she also knows firsthand the needs of students for whom English is a second language.

“I’m very big on equality and equity in education,” Vargas-Baker told the group,

As a school psychologist, mental health has always been important for Vargas-Barker, but she fears the past two years of COVID-19 have taken a toll on students.

The slate of candidates vying to fill the School Committee seat left vacant by the resignation of Rahul Rathi back in December also included:

Liora Bram, a communications and marketing professional who serves as co-chair of the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee. She has two children in the Grafton schools, including a child with Down Syndrome.

Stacie Norton Bennett, a former teacher, now director of programming and youth services for the Salvation Army in Worcester. She has two children in the Grafton schools.

Rebecca Soco, a veterinarian and former science teacher. She has three children, one now in the Grafton schools.

Bram and Soco were also met with enthusiastic reviews while many members mentioned that Bennett may have suffered in comparison by being the only candidate to interview via Zoom and relied heavily on notes.

School Committee Chair Amy Marr felt that both Vargas-Baker and Bram were the most prepared to jump into School Committee work.

“I want them both,” said Marr, who is seeking re-election in May. “They both bring unique perspectives that we need. I hope they both run, even if that means I must say goodbye.”

“We would be lucky to have either,” School Committee member Laura Often agreed.

Vargas-Baker’s appointment runs until May 17, the date of the Town Election. As of Wednesday, nomination papers for the remaining two years of the term will be available, along with the two 3-year seats now held by Marr and School Committee member Jennifer Connelly.

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