Write-in trumps incumbent on Clarendon School Board

Incumbent Mill River Union High school board chair Brownson Spencer lost his seat to last-minute write-in candidate Len Doucette in an election coup. Doucette received 269 votes to Spencer’s 134. Although Spencer had served on the board since 2008, he especially lost favor with the public over an unfortunate remark in February about special education students that had led to calls for his resignation. Doucette, formerly an educator with both Mill River and Fair Haven schools, said voters had told him they were concerned that Mill River needs to refocus to emphasize high quality classes and workable scheduling. Select Board chair Arthur Knox retained his seat, winning handily over Marjorie White Southard. Clarendon voters also approved proposed budgets for Union District #23, Clarendon Town, and the general municipal governance.