By Curt Peterson
Small towns’ fears that Woodstock’s delegation, which was a third of the 18 votes, would dominate decision-making on the newly-formed Windsor Central School District board have proven unfounded, according to Bryce Sammel of Barnard, who stepped down as board chair at the October meeting.
“Our votes have proven, time and time again, that, not only are Woodstock member votes frequently split, but they’ve advocated for smaller towns,” Sammel told the Mountain Times in an email interview.
The number of seats on the district board is determined by town population.
Barnard’s reluctance to join the consolidated district during implementation of Act 46 drew a lot of attention to general issues in contention.
At the time, Sammel said he was sympathetic with the passion of resistance and with the desire for an independent in-town elementary school, but felt that reality wasn’t in Barnard’s favor — dwindling student population, rising costs of living and the need for expanding educational opportunities indicated consolidation was inevitable.
He said continued resistance “would mean we’d still be fighting with the state over this, as some districts are. I’m glad that we’ve moved on so we can focus on the many things we need to.”
Sammel believes the district is working well together and supportive of their mutual vision.
“I think things are in a good place,” he said. “Having members of the administration on each committee is helpful. [Superintendent Sherry Sousa] has done a great job at showing the board her preferred options, while also describing other possible scenarios and why they’re less favorable to the district.”
Effective leaders often feel pangs of ownership when stepping down — like trading in a favorite car. Sammel eluded to those feelings when handing the board reins over to Keri Bristow (Woodstock), who was unanimously elected acting chair to replace him.
“I may have been ‘who we needed’ when I stepped up, but I think Keri is ‘who we need now’. She has the right demeanor and approach to those complicated questions we’re facing. My only advice is for her to continue to be her authentic self.”
Sammel will continue to serve on the board, and gave “personal reasons” as his explanation for stepping down as board chair. “I actually enjoyed [the job as chair],” he said. “It is stressful for sure, but I care deeply about this district and am passionate about its improvement.”
His other passions needed investment too, he explained, including spending more time with his family, helping with Barnard Recreation, coaching Babe Ruth baseball, his job at King Arthur Flour, raising three children, taking care of himself, and a desire to get more education, as the important things he feels the need to emphasize.
Bryce Sammel is one of those people who are easy to like, and many have agreed that he was “who was needed then” as chair of the WCSU board.
“I’m an introvert, so I’m glad that perception exists,” he wrote. “That being said, I do consider myself thoughtful and not easily rattled, and I’m sure those traits have helped.”
As a job grows with the leader, so a leader grows with the job, they say. Sammel said serving as chair benefitted him by forcing him to view things through a new lens.
