The School Committee had to reorganize without two of its members Wednesday. Results of the School Committee vote recount between Rhonda Veugen and Lynne Burroughs are pending now that Burroughs has returned all necessary petitions, according to the Town Clerk's office.  Illness kept committee-member Kenneth Fontes from attending, although he was voted vice-chair of the committee - Geoff Swett was voted secretary and Cliff Sylvia was voted chair of the committee.

But the most conspicuous presence (and later absence) was that of outgoing chair and committee member Robert Brousseau, who was honored at a reception before the meeting for his 50 years in public education in Wareham.

Brousseau taught at Wareham High for 34 years, retired in 1994, remained involved in education in the months following his retirement, and was elected to the School Committee in 1995.  He decided not to seek reelection this year.

"As I look back, I would not give up one day of it," Brousseau said. "I can't believe these 50 years have gone by as quickly as they have."

The reception was attended by many present and former school employees, former School Committee members, and community members, as well as Brousseau's family members.

Superintendent Barry Rabinovitch presented Brousseau with a plaque commemorating Brousseau's years of service on the School Committee along with a display of photos from the night Brousseau was awarded membership to the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) All-State School Committee last year.

Brousseau "has touched the lives of many people, not just his students, but people in the community," Sylvia said. Sylvia started teaching at Wareham High in 1966 and said he met Brousseau during his first day on the job. "Ever since that time, I have had nothing but the highest esteem and regard for Bob. Bob has always put the kids first."

Wareham High Principal Patrick Clark gave Brousseau a Wareham t-shirt with the number "50" on the back to signify his 50 years of service.

"I can honestly tell you that this is not your normal, everyday retirement," Swett said. "There is a historical knowledge about this district and the people in this community that will be at least lost to the board but hopefully not to the community."

As Rabinovitch announced that the School Committee meeting would begin, Brousseau gathered his gifts and said with a smile: "For the first time in 15 years, I'm going to leave."