School Committee Vice Chair Mike Flaherty was recognized at his final meeting on April 29. Flaherty announced in January that he would not seek re-election at the end of his three-year term. 

Committee Chair Joyce Bacchiocchi took time in the meeting to thank Flaherty, noting that it was his last meeting ahead of the Town Election on May 4. 

“We just want to say thank you for the hours of work that you’ve put in,” Bacchiocchi said. “You’ll be missed on the committee.”

In the middle of the virtual meeting, someone knocked on Flaherty’s door to deliver a surprise: a plaque commemorating his years of service on the School Committee. 

Flaherty thanked his fellow committee members and said he wasn’t expecting the plaque. 

“Thank you for everything,” Flaherty said. “I wish everybody success. I wish Wareham success. And, you know, I’m still going to be involved somehow.”

When Flaherty announced that he didn’t plan to run for re-election, he cited additional personal responsibilities that would prevent him from having the time necessary for the position. He also encouraged parents to consider running.

Fellow committee members Mary Morgan and Apryl Rossi had nothing but good things to say about Flaherty. 

“I just wanted to thank Mike for all of his hard work and his attendance at everything,” Rossi said. “He’s shown up to all the sporting events. He’s shown up to every meeting and every committee that I’ve been a part of with him.”

She praised Flaherty’s ability to ask thoughtful questions and added that she had learned a lot from Flaherty while they both served on the committee.

Morgan also thanked Flaherty for his service on the committee. 

“You’ve been a great asset to the committee,” she said. “You listen to all sides, and I appreciate that.”

Flaherty’s decision not to run again leaves his position open in the Town Election, which will be held on Tuesday, May 4 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Rossi’s term is also ending, but she is running for re-election.

The two School Committee candidates who receive the most votes will be elected.